since 2000
All about PAB Files
The PAB file type is primarily associated with Personal Address Book.
What is a PAB file
PAB files mostly belong to Personal Address Book by Microsoft. Before Outlook 2002, PAB (Personal Address Book) files were used by Microsoft's email programs to store contact information separate from email data. They are shared over Exchange Server, commonly within organizations, easing the address management function.
The PAB file format has been deprecated for over 10 years and is no longer used, but its contents can be imported into later versions of Microsoft's email applications. PAB files are created and managed by an administrator account on the Exchange Server, and other users can only access the address lists.
New address information can be added in the server console or be imported from other PAB files. The PAB file extension was developed by Microsoft for its products but is supported by email programs for Windows, MAC and Android, which can import data from PAB files. PAB files are categorized as text files and may be opened by hex or text editors such as Notepad. Since the extension is deprecated, unless using pre Outlook 2002 versions, PAB files can only be imported into Outlook 2002 and later versions. After importing, their content can be added to their replacement file format, the Outlook Address Book (OAB) extension, but can not be used directly. Other Windows programs that work with PAB files include: Office, Outlook, Outlook Express(discontinued but still runs on Windows 10), and Exchange Server.
On Mac, Entourage, Outlook can import the PAB files, but cannot use them directly.
Other related extensions include: WAB, OAB, GAL, PST, CSV.
The PAB file format has been deprecated for over 10 years and is no longer used, but its contents can be imported into later versions of Microsoft's email applications. PAB files are created and managed by an administrator account on the Exchange Server, and other users can only access the address lists.
New address information can be added in the server console or be imported from other PAB files. The PAB file extension was developed by Microsoft for its products but is supported by email programs for Windows, MAC and Android, which can import data from PAB files. PAB files are categorized as text files and may be opened by hex or text editors such as Notepad. Since the extension is deprecated, unless using pre Outlook 2002 versions, PAB files can only be imported into Outlook 2002 and later versions. After importing, their content can be added to their replacement file format, the Outlook Address Book (OAB) extension, but can not be used directly. Other Windows programs that work with PAB files include: Office, Outlook, Outlook Express(discontinued but still runs on Windows 10), and Exchange Server.
On Mac, Entourage, Outlook can import the PAB files, but cannot use them directly.
Other related extensions include: WAB, OAB, GAL, PST, CSV.
How do you open PAB files?
You need a suitable software like Personal Address Book to open a PAB file. You need a suitable software like Personal Address Book from Microsoft to open a PAB file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your PAB file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a PAB file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.
Online PAB Text Viewer
or drag and drop it here
Read our privacy guarantee in Filext’s terms and privacy policy
Please allow ads on our site
This helps us keep our servers running. Then re-upload your file to view it.Click here to see how to disable the ad blocker for filext.com
Unable to Open a .PAB File? Quick Solutions:
Because .PAB files can originate from various programs, they are not universally openable by a single application.
- Identify the Source: A .PAB file often comes from an older email backup or a colleague sharing contacts, strongly suggesting it is a Microsoft Personal Address Book database.
- Check the Header: Open the file in a hex viewer to inspect its first bytes:
D0 CF 11 E0(OLE Compound File) implies a legacy Microsoft Outlook database.- Readable text or XML suggests a generic exported contact list.
- Use the Original Software: You usually need the original program to open it; try Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Exchange Server, or a dedicated contact converter, or ask the sender if uncertain.
- Use this Webpage: Drag and drop your .PAB file into our viewer to detect its exact format, extract readable metadata, and preview the contents.
Technical Data for PAB File Extension
File classification:
Database
Related links:
Mime type:
The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.
ProgramID: PABFile, FileType: Office Data File
ProgramID: webfile, AppName: Dreamweaver MX
ProgramID: WEBFile, FileType: Office Data File
a pab contact file is a special file format by Microsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.
How to solve problems with PAB files
- Associate the PAB file extension with the correct application.
- Update your software that should actually open contact files. Because only the current version supports the latest PAB file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Microsoft manufacturer website after an available Personal Address Book update.
- To make sure that your PAB file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
- Click here to open your .PAB file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.