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

ID: Q189396

The information in this article applies to:

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.


CAUSE

The file Wab32.dll is missing or damaged.


RESOLUTION

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


MORE INFORMATION

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

  1. Click the Start button, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.


  2. Type Wab32.dll in the Named box and then click Find Now.


  3. With the right mouse button, click Wab32.dll, and on the shortcut menu, click Rename. Type Wab32.old, and 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:

  1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.


  2. Double-click Add/Remove programs.


  3. Click to select Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0. Click Add/Remove.


  4. Click to select "Add a component to Internet Explorer", and click OK.


  5. Click Yes, when prompted "Active setup is about to determine what internet components are installed on your computer."


  6. Under Communication Components, click to select to Outlook Express, even if it appears it is already installed. Click Next.


  7. Click Install Now to start the download and install process.


  8. On Install Complete, 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:

  1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.


  2. Double-click Add/Remove programs.


  3. Click the Windows Setup tab. In Components, click to remove the check mark next to Microsoft Outlook Express and click Apply.


  4. Once Outlook Express is removed, add the check mark back to Outlook Express and click Apply again. This will reinstall Outlook Express.


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

Additional query words: 98 missing gone 


Keywords          : kbdta CfgIM StpOthr StpMaint 
Version           : WINDOWS:
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: July 29, 1999