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OL98: Error Message: Windows Address Book (WAB) Is Missing

Article ID: 189396 - View products that this article applies to.

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This article was previously published under Q189396

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SYMPTOMS

When opening the Windows Address Book in Microsoft Outlook 98, you may receive one of the following error messages:

Missing Wab.dll file.

-or-

An error occurred while attempting to open the WAB. Unable to find the Wab.dll.

-or-

Windows Address Book DLL missing.

-or-

A dialog box displays with a red-X, an OK button, and contains no text.

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CAUSE

The file Wab32.dll is missing or damaged.

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RESOLUTION

Reinstall Microsoft Outlook Express in order to update the referenced Windows Address Book file.

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Outlook uses the Windows Address Book and newsreader functionality installed by Outlook Express. Outlook Express is included with Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0. If neither of these are present on your computer when you install Outlook, Outlook Setup adds the required components.

If Wab32.dll is on your computer, rename it and then reinstall Outlook Express.

NOTE: the reinstallation steps listed below are different for Windows 95 and Windows 98. Select the appropriate steps for the version of the operating system you are using.

Rename Wab32.dll

On the toolbar click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.
Type Wab32.dll in the Named box, and then click Find Now.
Right-click Wab32.dll, on the Shortcut menu, click Rename, type Wab32.old, and then press ENTER.

Reinstalling Outlook Express Using Windows 95

You can replace the damaged or missing Wab32.dll file by running Setup for Microsoft Internet Explorer. To replace the file, follow these steps:

On the toolbar click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click Add/Remove programs.
Select Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0, and then click Add/Remove.
Select Add a component to Internet Explorer, and then click OK.
When prompted "Active setup is about to determine what internet components are installed on your computer", click Yes.
Under Communication Components, select Outlook Express, even if it appears it is already installed, and then click Next.
Click Install Now to start the download and install process.
When Install Complete is displayed, click OK.

The Wab32.dll file will be replaced with a new copy.

Reinstalling Outlook Express Using Windows 98

You can replace the damaged or missing Wab32.dll file by running Windows 98 Setup. To replace the file, follow these steps:

On the toolbar click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
Click the Windows Setup tab, in Components, clear the Microsoft Outlook Express option, and then click Apply.
Once Microsoft Outlook Express is removed, select the Microsoft Outlook Express option, and then click Apply.

This will reinstall Microsoft Outlook Express.

The Wab32.dll file will be replaced with a new copy.

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Properties

Article ID: 189396 - Last Review: July 21, 2000 - Revision: 1.0

APPLIES TO

Microsoft Outlook 98 Standard Edition

kbprb KB189396

Retired KB Content Disclaimer

This article was written about products for which Microsoft no longer offers support. Therefore, this article is offered "as is" and will no longer be updated.

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