Applies to: Exchange Server 2007 SP3, Exchange Server 2007 SP2, Exchange Server 2007 SP1, Exchange Server 2007
Topic Last Modified: 2007-08-27

An offline address book (OAB) is a copy of an address book that has been downloaded so that a Microsoft Outlook user can access the information it contains while disconnected from the server. Office Outlook 2007 uses the OAB to provide offline access to directory information from the global address list (GAL) and from other address lists.

You can choose which address books are made available to users who work offline. When OAB generation occurs, Microsoft Exchange generates new OAB files, compresses the files, and then places the files on a local share. You can then configure the method by which the address books are distributed. There are two methods by which the OAB is distributed to client computers:

The client computers running Outlook periodically check for and download OAB updates. For information about how to modify when OAB generation occurs, see How to View and Modify Offline Address Book Settings.

This topic lists the management tasks that you can perform for OABs, including links to topics that will help you complete the task. Unless otherwise noted, these tasks can be performed by using the Exchange Management Console or the Exchange Management Shell: