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Unable to Open MSG File in Outlook Account: Solved

Daisy Ridley ~ Published: 07-Sep-2023 ~ Error ~ 5 Minutes Reading

This blog focuses on some manual and handy measures to troubleshoot unable to open MSG file in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2019, 2013, and below editions. Along with these, we are also going to describe the simplest approach to fix the error. So, without wasting much time here, read further content and get some knowledge regarding the same.

One day, officials might come across a strange problem i.e., unable to open MSG file in Outlook. The causes of this error are many but, the most important demand of the current situation is to achieve a foolproof solution to resolve it.

Therefore, instead of focusing on the reasons why the ‘open MSG file without Outlook’ problem occurs; concentrate on solutions to fix it.

Solve “Outlook Cannot Open MSG File” Error Manually

There are two possible ways through which professionals can fix the ‘unable to open MSG file in Outlook’ issue. We are explaining both the measures but, please keep one thing in mind – These approaches are workable only when Microsoft Outlook is present on your computer.

In case, this email client is unavailable then, don’t get stressed. Stay charming and simply read the statements given in the next section of this article.

Method 1: Solve Unable to Open MSG File in Outlook Error

  1. Locate the path of the MSG file.
  2. Right-click on the MSG file and choose Open With >> Outlook.
  3. And your MSG will open in Outlook.

Method 2: Fix “Outlook Cannot Open MSG File” Error

Even when computer users have Outlook installed on their PC and know the method to solve “Outlook cannot open MSG file”, they raise the – unable to open MSG file in Outlook 2016, problem. In such cases, users have to contact to sender and request him or her to send MSG file again with ANSI properties in it. For this, they can take help of the following steps:

  1. If you use Outlook 2003 and 2007, click on the Tools tab. Otherwise, jump to step (4).
  2. Now click on Options >> Tab Other >> Advanced Options.
  3. Finally, click on the Disable Option: Use Unicode… option to fix the ‘unable to open MSG file in Outlook’ error. After this, directly move to Step (6).
  4. This step is for customers using Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. Begin with problem fixation by clicking on File.
  5. A menu appears where you have to hit on Options >> Mail >> Section >> Save Messages >> Disable Option: Use Unicode…
  6. Finally, drag and drop an email message from the Outlook profile to the desktop to get the ANSI MSG file.

Advanced Solution to Solve “Unable Open MSG File in Outlook”

Instead of pitching this solution in the beginning, we thought of describing it after telling the manual measures. The main reason behind the same is that our aim is not to promote any third-party product but, to help our page readers with an effective and efficient approach to fix their technical problems.

Well, the foolproof solution about which we are taking is a freeware, named MSG File Viewer. It is a standalone way to fix unable to open MSG file in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007), problem. There is no need for a Microsoft Outlook mail client to open and view emails of MSG files. Let’s read the following steps to understand the quick working of the tool:

Working Steps to Open MSG File in Outlook

  1. Download the virus-free setup file of MSG file viewer and install it.
  2. Launch the free app after successful installation of the tool.

    tool to open MSG file in Outlook

  3. Click on Open File and then select the Choose Folder option.

    Choose Folders

  4. Browse a folder having several MSG files in it. And hit on Select Folder.

    Browse a folder

  5. Finally, you can read and search content within MSG files for investigation.

    read and search content

Whether it is Unicode or ANSI, the application will work with both types of files. There is no limitation on the number of files to be processed simultaneously in this free viewer. Officials can add MSG files of any size without any worries. We guarantee you that this solution will fix the ‘unable to open MSG file in Outlook’ problem.

Prime and Advanced Features to Open MSG File in Outlook

  • The software can easily read multiple MSG files and folders in bulk at once without losing any information.
  • This tool supports all types of MSG files exported from any Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and all previous versions.
  • Also, users can analyze the email and attachments separately using multiple modes including Content, Properties, Message Header, Hex View, and Raw Message.
  • The software provides dual options to add single and multiple MSG files and folders using the Choose Files and Choose Folders option.
  • Also, it maintains all the email components while opening MSG file such as Bcc, Cc, To, From, Subject, Date, Attachments, Font, Size, etc.

Time to Say Good Bye

How to solve ‘unable to open MSG file in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007)’? An answer to this question has been given in this post. Readers can read it, and implement the suitable solution to view MSG file content. Also, if you use the free MSG file reader app for your purpose, please share your experience with us. It will encourage others to use free utility for coming out from the ‘Outlook cannot open MSG file’ problem.