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Windows Address Book was a component of Microsoft Windows that let users keep a single list of contacts that could be shared by multiple programs. It was most commonly used by Outlook Express. It was introduced with Internet Explorer 3 in 1996 and improved upon in subsequent versions. The Windows Address Book API could query LDAP servers or read/write data to a local .wab file. Windows Address Book was replaced by Windows Contacts starting with Windows Vista.
Overview[]
Windows Address Book has a local database and user interface for finding and editing information about people, making it possible to query network directory servers using Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. Other applications can also use the program. Microsoft Outlook uses its own PST store for email messages. However, it can import contacts from the .wab format. Microsoft Exchange Server and Windows Messaging uses .pab files for Personal Address Book.
Features[]
- Can store comprehensive contact information in tabs including personal and business information.
- Integrates with Outlook Express.
- Programmable API to work with other applications. Applications can also extend functionality such as adding more tabs and fields to store additional custom information or customizing the toolbar.
- Can store contacts inside contact groups and folders.
- Can selectively send emails to contacts only in plain text for additional security.
- Can export and import cards to and from vCard 2.1 and CSV formats.
- Can also import from LDIF and other formats.
- Automatically add contacts from received emails.
- Prints contact lists as memo, business card or phone list styles.
Security risk[]
In May 2000, the ILOVEYOU virus showed how Windows Address Book could be part of an exploit to spread malware by accessing and sending emails to a user's contacts. This approach has since been adopted by many commercial spammers.