XAB File Extension
Microsoft Outlook Express Address Book
- File Type xab
- Developer Microsoft Corporation
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft Outlook Express
- Category Data Files
What is a XAB file?
Files with the XAB extension are specifically tied to Microsoft Outlook Express Address Book, a Data Files type, and there are 6196 files in this category.
Microsoft, the developer of the Microsoft Outlook Express Address Book (XAB), has released file format and 242 programs designed to handle them.
XAB files are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows. There are 3 programs available to create a XAB file, including popular tools like Microsoft Outlook Express, Windows Mail and Windows Live Mail.
Programs that support XAB files
How to open a XAB file?
If you are having trouble opening a XAB file, it usually means the right software is not installed. Choose a program from the list that matches your operating system. Next, visit the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it on your device.
Microsoft Outlook Express, Windows Mail and Windows Live Mail are among the most widely used programs for handling XAB files. To set up the newest version of Microsoft Outlook Express on your device, simply go to the official Microsoft website. There you can download the edition compatible with every operating system.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign Microsoft Outlook Express as the default app for XAB files.
Set Microsoft Outlook Express as the default XAB program
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired XAB file;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
- In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to Microsoft Outlook Express. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Change default programs in Windows
- To get started, right-click your XAB file, then choose "Open With" and select "Choose Another Application" from the context menu;
- In the pop-up window, select the Microsoft Outlook Express application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening XAB files.
Solve problems with XAB files
If you encounter issues with XAB files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the steps to repair a damaged XAB file?
Start a data recovery program and open the damaged XAB file. Then, choose the "Repair" option from the menu. Please wait patiently for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically repair the damaged data files.
How can I determine if my XAB file is damaged?
The signs of corrupted XAB data files can manifest as:
- Trying to work with the archive in Microsoft Outlook Express or other programs causes instability or program crashes;
- Error notifications appear during file manipulation;
- The file does not open correctly or displays error messages;
- An unexplained increase in the size of the XAB file;
- The file shows slow performance when edited in Microsoft Outlook Express;
What are the reasons behind Microsoft Outlook Express crash?
Insufficient software updates are a likely cause of Microsoft Outlook Express crashes. Be sure to install the latest updates for Microsoft products.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.
How to edit a XAB file?
To modify XAB files, it is necessary to install dedicated software that lets you open and edit data files. Online XAB editors generally offer fewer tools compared to programs designed for Microsoft Outlook Express Address Book.
Best XAB editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended XAB editors.
| XAB Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Mail | Microsoft | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Microsoft Outlook Express | Microsoft | Windows | 4.4 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| Windows Live Mail | Microsoft | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (41 review) |