Windows Address Book
Windows Address Book in Windows XP
Developer	Microsoft
Operating system	Microsoft Windows
Successor	Windows Contacts

Windows Address Book was a component ofMicrosoft Windows that lets users keep a single list of contacts that can be shared by multiple programs.^[1] It is most commonly used byOutlook Express. It was introduced withInternet Explorer 3 in 1996 and improved in subsequent versions.^[2] TheWindows Address Book API can queryLDAP servers or read/write data to a local.wab file. InWindows Vista,Windows Address Book was replaced withWindows Contacts.

The Windows Address Book was an application that has a local database and user interface for finding and editing information about people, making it possible to query network directory servers usingLightweight Directory Access Protocol. Other applications can also use the WAB.Microsoft Office Outlook uses its ownPST store for email messages. However, it can import contacts from the.WAB format.Microsoft Exchange /Windows Messaging uses.PAB file forPersonal Address Book.

• Can store comprehensive contact information in tabs including personal and business information.
• Integrates with Outlook Express.
• Programmable API to work with other applications. Applications can also extend functionality such as adding more tabs and fields to store additional custom information or customizing the toolbar.
• Can store contacts inside contact groups and folders.
• Can selectively send email to contacts only inplain text for additional security.
• Can export and import cards to and fromvCard 2.1 andCSV formats. Can also import fromLDIF and other formats.
• Search for entries in the contact database, arrange contacts by first name or last name.
• Automatically add contacts from received email.
• Prints contact lists asmemo,business card orphone list styles.

In May 2000 theILOVEYOU virus showed how the Windows Address Book could be part of an exploit to spread malicious software by accessing and sending email to a user's contacts. This approach has since been adopted by many commercialspammers.

One of the undocumented features of the Windows Address Book is integration withMicrosoft Office Outlook.^[3] Aregistry value has to be set at the following registry key location:

Note: Users should back up the registry before making changes.

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\WAB\WAB4

ADWORD value named "UseOutlook" (if not present already) can be created with its value set to 1. After setting this value, Outlook Contacts are shared with the Windows Address Book. This feature works only up to Windows XP and Outlook 2003.Windows Contacts introduced withWindows Vista does not support sharing contacts with Outlook. The above method works with any version of Outlook up to Outlook 2003, despite newer versions not including it as a configurable option in the user interface.

• Windows Contacts
• Microsoft
• Microsoft Office Outlook
• Lightweight Directory Access Protocol

• More information on WAB
• MSDN API ReferenceArchived 2006-08-21 at theWayback Machine Information about the WABAPI.

• Windows components
• Internet Explorer add-ons
• Discontinued Windows components

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• Short description is different from Wikidata
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