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What is the MSG File Extension?

By:   |   Edited: November 26, 2018

Microsoft Silver

MSG File Summary

Most MSG files can be viewed with eleven known software applications, typically Microsoft Outlook Express developed by Microsoft Corporation. It's main file type association is the Saved Email Message format, but also includes five other rarely-seen file types. The MSG File Extension are listed predominantly as Text Files, while in other circumstances they can be Data Files or Game Files.

Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems can be used to view MSG files. Both desktop and mobile devices enable you to view and (sometimes) edit these files, depending on the software used. The main MSG file type has a Popularity Rating of "Low", meaning these files are not frequently present on your typical desktop or mobile device.

If you would like to learn more about MSG files and the software that opens them, please see the additional detailed information below. Also, you can learn how to do some basic MSG file troubleshooting if you are having trouble opening these files.

Low
Popular
300
Standing

/ 11690

Active

Mode

26

November

2018

Edited

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Varieties of MSG Files

  6 known file types use this extension

Chief MSG Description

.MSG
File Ext:.msg
Group:Saved Email Message

Files with a MSG file extension usually contains complete saved email messages from clients. It may also have text or a combination of text, pictures, and other elements in the HTML format. A number of e-mail programs and clients use MSG files for the reasons stated above but it was mainly associated with Microsoft Outlook.

Company: Microsoft Corporation
Division:Text Files
Folder: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.msg

Software Programs That Open The Saved Email Message:


Microsoft Outlook Express by Microsoft Corporation

Windows
Mac

SeaMonkey by Mozilla

Windows
Mac
Linux

Microsoft Outlook by Microsoft Corporation

Windows
Mac

Outlook MSG Viewer by Element 26

Mac

Klammer by Kupon.BG

Mac
iOS

MailRaider by 45 RPM Software

Mac
iOS

Alternative MSG Types

.MSG
File Ext:.msg
Group:FoxPro/FoxDoc Message File
.MSG
File Ext:.msg
Group:OS/2 Help Message File
.MSG
File Ext:.msg
Group:SmartWare Intro Display File
.MSG
File Ext:.msg
Group:Fallout Message File
.MSG
File Ext:.msg
Group:Pegasus Mail Stored Message File

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Find File Types


MSG Requests


Primary OS Ranking

WindowsMacintoshLinuxChromeOtherWindows: 97%Macintosh: 2%Linux: 1%Chrome: 0%Other: 0%
Windows (97.14%)
Macintosh (2.06%)
Linux (0.73%)
Chrome (0.05%)
Other (0.01%)

Primary Browsers

ChromeFirefoxInternet ExplorerEdgeSafariChrome: 64%Firefox: 12%Internet Explorer: 10%Edge: 9%Safari: 4%
Chrome (58.80%)
Firefox (11.05%)
Internet Explorer (9.04%)
Edge (8.46%)
Safari (3.87%)


Troubleshooting Problems Opening MSG Files


Issues Opening MSG Files

Microsoft Outlook Express Removed

You encounter an error message such as "- Can't Open MSG Files" when trying to open your MSG. When this happens, it is commonly due to Microsoft Outlook Express missing in - . Because your operating system doesn't know what to do with this file, you won't be able to open it by double-clicking.


Tip: When another MSG application is installed, you can choose to open it by selecting "Show Apps" and using that program.


Outdated Microsoft Outlook Express

Sometimes your installed version of Microsoft Outlook Express won't support your Saved Email Message file. Visit the Microsoft Corporation website to download (or purchase) the latest version of Microsoft Outlook Express. Most of the time your Saved Email Message file was created by a newer Microsoft Outlook Express than what you have installed.


Tip: Sometimes you can get a clue about the version of MSG file you have by right clicking on the file, then clicking on "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac OSX).


Conclusion: The majority of MSG file opening issues are due to not having the correct Microsoft Outlook Express version installed.


Other MSG File Opening Causes

Assuming you have the right Microsoft Outlook Express version installed, other problems can prevent you from opening MSG files. If you are still having problems opening MSG files, there may be other issues that are preventing you from opening these files. Additional factors include:

  • Corrupt Windows Registry file path references for MSG
  • Mistaken removal of the Windows registry MSG description
  • Defective install of a MSG program, such as Microsoft Outlook Express
  • Something has caused file corruption of your MSG
  • Your MSG has adversely impacted by malware
  • Device drivers for MSG-related hardware are out-of-date
  • Your computer does not have the adequate system resources to open the Saved Email Message format

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How to Fix Problems Opening MSG Files

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