Fix Outlook Message Properties Have Changed Error
Question details
The user encounters a recurring prompt stating that message properties have changed when attempting to reply to or forward emails.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Replying to or forwarding an email after installing Adobe Acrobat Pro.
- Observed behavior
- Outlook repeatedly displays 'The properties of the message have changed' even after installing Office updates.
Before modifying your Outlook add-ins, save any draft emails you are currently working on and ensure you have your Microsoft 365 account credentials handy.
Disable the Adobe PDFMaker Add-in
Third-party add-ins, specifically the Adobe Acrobat PDFMaker, often alter message properties and trigger this warning. Disabling it is the most effective first step.
Outlook add-ins are designed to enhance functionality, but they can sometimes conflict with native email features.
The Adobe PDFMaker add-in is known to scan and modify messages in the background, which causes Outlook to detect a change in the message properties.
Launch Outlook, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, and select 'Options'. In the Outlook Options dialog box, click on 'Add-ins' in the left sidebar.
At the bottom of the window, ensure 'COM Add-ins' is selected in the 'Manage' drop-down menu, then click the 'Go...' button.
Locate 'Acrobat PDFMaker Office COM Addin' in the list. Uncheck the box next to it and click 'OK' to apply the changes.
Close Microsoft Outlook completely and reopen it. Try replying to or forwarding an email to see if the error persists.
Repair Microsoft 365 and Adobe Acrobat
If disabling the add-in does not resolve the issue, repairing your software installations can fix underlying conflicts or corrupted files.
Try WPS Office for a Conflict-Free Experience
If you are tired of dealing with Microsoft Office errors and complex add-in conflicts, WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for creating, editing, and managing your documents effortlessly.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Open and Edit Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and immediately open your existing Microsoft Office files with perfect formatting compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Outlook say the properties of the message have changed?
This error occurs because a third-party add-in, such as a PDF creator or antivirus scanner, modifies the background properties or formatting of the email draft while you are trying to edit, reply, or forward it.
Can I still use Adobe Acrobat if I disable the PDFMaker add-in in Outlook?
Yes, disabling the add-in in Outlook only removes the Acrobat shortcut from the Outlook ribbon. You can still use the standalone Adobe Acrobat application to view, create, and edit PDFs normally.
Does starting Outlook in Safe Mode permanently fix the error?
No. Safe Mode is a diagnostic tool that temporarily runs Outlook without any add-ins. If the error disappears in Safe Mode, it confirms that an add-in is the root cause, but you still need to manually disable the problematic add-in in normal mode.
