Why User Suffers from-Unable to Open MSG Files in Outlook?

This blog mainly discusses the problem that is faced by most users. On or another day user might see a dialog box while opening an MSG file showing “Unable to Open MSG Files in Outlook”.

Therefore we are here, to resolve this query in this article.

You may be familiar with the data files OST and PST that are associated with Microsoft Outlook. Another file you can generate and read with MS Outlook, the MSG file, is similar to them.

With less effort, users can open their MSG files in Microsoft Outlook. So without wasting a single second, let’s read further here about the solution in this blog.

Reasons Why MSG File not Opening in Outlook

If any of the following problems are coming, that an Outlook user will be unable to open an MSG file:

• When Outlook is not correctly configured.
• When the preview of MSG files created by Hex editors is difficult to comprehend.
• Can’t open MSG file error is displayed if the user does not have permission to access the file.
• Attempting to open an MSG file created in Unicode format with Outlook 2002/XP or earlier.

Solution for Unable to Open MSG Files in Outlook

Since MSG file is the email format where a single mail is stored. It is also one of the file formats used by Outlook to store data. Here we have two manual methods which help you to resolve the issue easily. If it fails, not to worry we have an alternate, method as well.

Formula 1

1. First of all, the user needs to close all program that is running in the background of the desktop.
2. Now, navigate the file where it is stored.
3. Perform double-click on it to open. If it doesn’t work.
4. Give right-click and select Open With >> Outlook (Desktop).
5. Set it as the default program to open the MSG file each time.

If still above method does not work. Then, you can go for the second formula.

Formula 2

Sometimes Outlook used the default code that is UNICODE. And, sometimes it causes an error to open the MSG file. To overcome this user asks the sender to send the MSG file with ANSI properties. For this, the user needs to perform these steps to change the code.

In MS Outlook 2003 and 2007

• Go to the toolbar. Navigate to options >> tab other.
• Select Advaced options >> Disable option: Use UNICODE Message Format.

For MS Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019 users

• Go to file section >> option >> Mail >> section.
• Select save message >> Disable option: Use UNICODE Format.

Sometimes all these efforts user fails. And he cannot troubleshoot unable to open MSG files in outlook. Therefore, we suggest you go for the trustworthy tool.

Automated Process to Open MSG Files in Outlook

The foolproof solution is MSG File Converter. It is an autonomous solution that counters unable to open MSG files in Outlook-like issues. It has a privacy policy, which keeps its customer’s trust. It does not store any type of data of the user.

We are not promoting our product, we are just trying to help our readers to solve their queries.  Also, it has a demo version available. Before purchasing a licensed user can try its demo version.

Let us have a glance at the features of the tool.

• Converts MSG file in PST, MBOX, PDF, HTML, EML, NSF, Office 365, vCard, CSV, EMLX, TXT.
• Ability to convert Outlook messages with attachments.
• Add files/folders option available.
• Gives Date based Filter.
• Supports all Windows as well as Mac operating systems.

This tool has a user-friendly interface. It does not require any technical knowledge to perform an action. One can easily operate by using provided guide with the software.

Due to its numerous features, users can use it in any situation where they are not able to open MSG files.

Last but not the least, installation of Microsoft Outlook is not mandatory.

Final words

Through this blog, we tried to resolve the approach of the user’s query that was unable to open MSG files in Outlook. As there are manual methods as well. But in some instances, they are unable to perform as per user need. Thus, users must try trusted third-party applications. MSG File Converter is one such tool in the market, which has many features. With a few basic steps, it converts MSG files to open in the user’s system.

Finally, here we diagnose the problems faced by the users.

Also, Read How to Import EML Files into Apple Mail? – 2 Techniques