PAB File Extension

What is PAB file?

PAB is a file extension commonly associated with Personal Address Book files. Personal Address Book specification was created by Microsoft. PAB files are supported by software applications available for devices running Mac OS, Windows. PAB file belongs to the Data Files category just like 1326 other filename extensions listed in our database. The most popular program for handling PAB files is Microsoft Outlook, but users can choose among 3 different programs that support this file format. On the official website of Microsoft Corporation developer not only will you find detailed information about theMicrosoft Outlook software, but also about PAB and other supported file formats.

Programs which support PAB file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with PAB files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with PAB extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with PAB extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PAB files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Personal Address Book files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Outlook

Problems with opening and working with PAB files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with PAB files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Outlook or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook Express) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Outlook installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Microsoft Outlook to the latest version

If the problems with opening PAB files still occur even after installing Microsoft Outlook, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Outlook is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why PAB files are not compatible with Microsoft Outlook. The latest version of Microsoft Outlook should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Outlook to PAB files

If you have the latest version of Microsoft Outlook installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage PAB on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the PAB with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft Outlook installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open PAB files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected PAB file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with PAB extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the PAB file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the PAB file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The PAB may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the PAB is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. PAB file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the PAB file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the PAB file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the PAB file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Outlook

If the systems has insufficient resources to open PAB files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Personal Address Book file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with PAB files affecting older versions of given software.

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