HTTP version of the Outlook Offline Address Book (OAB) does not download

Symptoms

You use Microsoft Outlook to connect to a Microsoft Exchange Server mailbox. When you start a manual download of the Offline Address Book (OAB) from an HTTP(S) location, the progress bar that appears in the Outlook Send/Receive Progress dialog box seems to freeze or becomes stuck. The download never finishes, and the local OAB files aren't updated.

Cause

There are a couple of known causes of this problem.

• Wireless devices on the computer have outdated drivers.

  This issue may occur if old or out-of-date device drivers for wireless peripheral devices are installed. This includes keyboard and mouse drivers.

• Policies for the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) are configured on your computer.

  BITS policies allow you to control the download rate for updates. If the policy values aren't configured correctly, they could effectively prevent downloads from finishing.

• The Background Intelligent Transfer Service service isn't Started.

  If the Background Intelligent Transfer Service service isn't running, then the OAB will not download.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, use one or more of the following solutions.

• Update device drivers for wireless hardware

  Plug in your wireless receiver and then see Windows Update: FAQ to check for updates:

  Install the update that is displayed as Optional Hardware Update and has the following title:

  Microsoft HID Non-User Input Data Filter

  Or, install the latest IntelliPoint or IntelliType software. To do this, see PC accessories help & learning.

  If you're using a third-party keyboard or mouse, visit manufacturer's website and download the latest version of the device driver or the latest update for the device.

• Check your registry for any BITS policies

  If you're using a HTTP(s) location from which to download the OAB, the OAB download process is handled by BITS. In this configuration, you'll want to determine if you have any BITS policies configured.

  BITS policies are found under the following key in the registry:

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\BITS

  The following DWORD values may be configured under this key:

  EnableBitsMaxBandwidth
MaxBandwidthValidFrom
MaxBandwidthValidTo
MaxTransferRateOnSchedule
MaxTransferRateOffSchedule

  If you find EnableBitsMaxBandwith = 1, BITS download throttling is in effect, and the other values are used by BITS to manage downloads. Contact your system administrator to disable BITS download throttling to see if this resolves your OAB download issue.

• Make sure the Background Intelligent Transfer Service is started

  If you're using a HTTP(s) location from which to download the OAB, the OAB download process is handled by BITS. In this configuration, you'll want to ensure the status of the Background Intelligent Transfer Service service is started.

  1. On the Start menu, enter Services.msc in the Search programs and files box, and then select Services.msc in the results pane.

  2. In the Services dialog box, locate the service called Background Intelligent Transfer Service.

  3. Review the status of the service. You'll want to make sure the status of the service is Started.

     

     If the Background Intelligent Transfer Service service isn't started, continue with these steps to start the service.

  4. Double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service in the Services dialog box.

  5. In the Startup type drop-down, select Automatic (Delayed Start), and then select Apply.

     

  6. Then, select Start to start the service.

  You can also examine the registry to see the current configuration of the Background Intelligent Transfer Service service.

  Key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\system\currentcontrolset\Services\BITS
  DWORD: Start
  Values: 4 = Disabled, 3 = Manual, 2 = Automatic

  Note

  Do not change the status of the service through the registry. This information is provided for reference only.

More information

For Outlook 2010 and Outlook 2007, you can use the following steps to determine if you're using an HTTP(s) location to download the OAB.

1. Start Outlook if it is not currently running.
2. Hold down the CTRL key, right-click the Outlook icon in the notification area on the right side of the taskbar, and then select Test E-mail AutoConfiguration.
3. Clear the Use Guessmart check box, and then clear the Secure Guessmart Authentication check box.
4. Select the Use AutoDiscover check box.
5. If not already entered, type your email address and password, and then select Test.
6. On the Results tab, note the path for OAB URL.

If the OAB URL value begins with HTTP, then you're using an HTTP(s) location to download the OAB. If the OAB URL value is Public Folders, then you aren't using an HTTP(s) location to download the OAB.