Are Outlook Email Attachments Stored Inside MSG Files?
Question details
The user wants to know if dragging an Outlook email to a hard drive embeds the attachments directly inside the resulting MSG file or just saves external links to them.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Archiving Outlook emails to a local hard drive for permanent record-keeping.
- Observed behavior
- Saved MSG files successfully contain the message content, metadata, and embedded attachments, avoiding the path-not-found errors sometimes seen with exported EML files.
Ensure you have Microsoft Outlook installed on your computer so you can open the MSG files and accurately verify their embedded contents.
Verify Embedded Attachments in Outlook MSG Files
Confirm that your MSG file is a standalone container that includes all attached files, allowing for safe archiving.
When you drag and drop an email from Microsoft Outlook to a local folder, it is saved as an MSG file. This file acts as a complete, self-contained package.
Unlike certain EML workflows (such as Apple Mail) that may only save external reference links and result in 'path-not-found' errors, Outlook's MSG format completely embeds the attachments. This guarantees that whenever you move, copy, or archive the MSG file, the attached documents go with it seamlessly.
Select the email in your Outlook inbox and drag it directly into a folder on your computer's hard drive.
Navigate to the folder and double-click the newly created MSG file to open it in an Outlook message window.
Locate the attachments section under the email subject line. Double-click the attachment to confirm it opens, proving the file is embedded directly inside the MSG.
Open Your Exported Email Attachments Easily with WPS Office
While Microsoft Outlook manages your MSG files, you need a capable office suite to view, edit, and manage the actual documents attached to those emails. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office from the official website and follow the quick installation prompts.
- 2. Extract Attachments: Open your MSG file in Outlook and save the embedded attachments to your local drive.
- 3. View and Edit: Double-click your saved documents to open, view, and edit them smoothly using WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do EML files sometimes lose attachments while MSG files do not?
Depending on the email client (like Apple Mail) and how the export is performed, EML files may sometimes only save a reference path to the attachment. If the original file is moved or deleted, it triggers a 'path-not-found' error. MSG files encapsulate the actual file data, preventing this.
Can I extract attachments from an MSG file without Microsoft Outlook?
Yes. If you do not have Outlook installed, you can use specialized MSG viewer software or secure online extraction tools to view the contents and download the embedded attachments.
Are attachments inside MSG files safe from viruses?
Not necessarily. Because MSG files embed the exact original files, any malware or malicious macros present in the original email attachment will also be present in the MSG file. Always use antivirus software to scan attachments from unknown senders.
