OL2000: Error Message: Windows Address Book (WAB) Is Missing

ID: Q196210

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Outlook 2000

SYMPTOMS

When opening the Windows Address Book, you may get 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.


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

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

Rename Wab32.dll

  1. Click Start, 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.


IMPORTANT: The following sections outline specific steps for resolving this issue based on the type of operating system and version of Internet Explorer you currently have installed. It is imperative that these steps be followed as defined.

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 Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.


  2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.


  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 the Original Release of 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 Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.


  2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs icon.


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


  4. After 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.

IMPORTANT: If you have installed Internet Explorer 5.0 with the original release of Windows 98, you should not replace Outlook Express using the entry on the Windows Setup tab as described in step #3 above. This action attempts to install Outlook Express 4.0 which would be the incorrect version. In this instance, use the entry, "Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 and Internet Tools" on the Install/Uninstall tab of Add Remove Programs.

Reinstalling Outlook Express Using Windows 98 Second Edition

Windows 98 SE includes Internet Explorer 5.0 and its related components, including Outlook Express 5.0. These components can be maintained by first using the preparatory steps in the Rename Wab32.dll section and then following the steps as with the original release of Windows 98.

Additional query words: 98 missing gone OL2K

Keywords : kberrmsg kbdta CfgIM StpOthr StpMaint
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb


Last Reviewed: September 16, 1999
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