Step-by-Step Guide to Fix MSG Import Error in Outlook

MSG import errors in Outlook stop your messages when you try to move your mailbox. They can show up as “cannot import .msg,” “file format not supported,” or as silent failures. These issues often occur because of incompatible Outlook versions or incorrect import steps. Although the MSG file is quite popular among the users. Along with that, they frequently use this in Outlook and other applications as well. So it is essential to fix MSG import error in Outlook. In this complete blog, you will find major fixes that work for Outlook on Windows and Mac. We also explained the professional solution, such as the MSG File Converter Tool, which easily fixes your MSG import error in Outlook without any data loss.

What Exactly is this Error?

Microsoft Outlook uses the MSG file format to save individual email messages. These files store all details, including sender, receiver, subject, and attachments. Many users prefer MSG because it is easy to backup and share specific messages. But when they import MSG to Outlook, they face import error generally. Although these types of errors can frustrate users who depend on MSG files for business or personal communication.

General Scenario Where MSG Import Errors Occur in Outlook

Before we fix the problem, it will be helpful further when we know what causes it. Outlook may not import MSG files for several reasons:

• If the file was saved incorrectly or got damaged during transfer, Outlook will not open or import the MSG file.
• When you download MSG file from the internet, they are generally not supported by the Windows system because it is blocked.
• Some Outlooks have multiple add-ins that can stop MSG files from import and show the import file error.
• Along with that, if your MSG file has broken profile, then it can also be the reason for the “Can’t import MSG into Outlook” error.
• MSG files made in one version of Outlook. As Outlook Versions flip day by day, it does not work properly in another one.

Once you know the cause, it becomes easier to apply the right solution and fix the MSG import error in Outlook.

Explore Some Simplified Ways to Fix MSG Import Error in Outlook

There are multiple ways to solve your MSG import error problem. Move further and pick the appropriate solution according to your preference and ease.

Solution 01: Reconfigure Outlook Settings

Sometimes, your Outlook profile setup might prevent MSG files when you try to open them. When you reset or adjust the account configuration, it can help you resolve “MSG files not importing Outlook”

• First of all, launch Outlook on your system.
• After that, navigate to the File tab.
• From the drop-down, click Account Settings>>Account Settings.
• Pick the account you use and hit the Change button.
• Then, enter your password when prompted.
• Outlook will run a test of your account settings. Click Next once done.
• Finally, press Finish and then Close.

Solution 02: Temporarily Disable Antivirus

Some antivirus programs note the flag MSG files as threats. If it happens on your system, simply follow the given steps to fix MSG Import Error in Outlook

• Check notifications from your antivirus or the Action Center (Windows + A).
• If safe, whitelist the file or scan it manually.
• As a test, disable your antivirus temporarily and try opening the MSG file again.

Solution 03: Rebuild the Extend.dat File

A corrupted Extend.dat file may stop Outlook from opening MSG files.

• Close Outlook completely.
• Open File Explorer and search for extend.dat.
• Rename the file to extend. Old.
• Restart Outlook, and it will create a new Extend.dat file automatically.

Solution 04: Repair Microsoft Office

Windows allows you to repair apps, including Office.

1. Press Windows + I and open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
3. Find your Office installation, click the three dots, and select Modify.
4. Choose Quick Repair first. If the issue persists, use Online Repair (requires internet).
5. Restart your system after repair.

Solution 05: Switch Unicode Format

Outlook supports MSG files in ANSI and Unicode formats. If one format doesn’t work, try switching.

• While saving an email, select Save As and change the type from Outlook Message Format – Unicode to Outlook Message Format, or vice versa.
• If you received the file, ask the sender to resend it in the other format.

For Outlook 2010 and newer:

• Go to File > Options > Mail.
• Under Save messages, enable or disable the Unicode format option.

Solution 06: Turn Off Outlook Add-ins

Third-party add-ins sometimes interfere with file opening.

1. Open Outlook and go to File > Options.
2. Select Add-ins from the left panel.
3. At the bottom, choose COM Add-ins under Manage and click Go.
4. Uncheck all add-ins and hit OK.
5. Restart Outlook and try to open your MSG file.

If it works, re-enable add-ins one at a time to find the culprit.

Solution 07: Open the File Manually

Windows usually links MSG files with Outlook automatically. In File Explorer, MSG files should appear with a mail icon.

• If the icon shows, just double-click it to open the file in Outlook.
• If not, right-click the file and choose Open With.
• From the several Open with options, just pick Outlook.

This will set Outlook as the default program for MSG files, so next time you can open them directly by double-clicking.

Solution 08: Fix MSG Import Error by Converting MSG File

If none of the above-mentioned method works properly, use Aryson MSG Converter to convert all MSG files into a single PST file. Then, import that PST into Outlook. This method makes sure that your data remains accessible without compatibility problems. Along with PST, you can also convert MSG into PDF, EML, MBOX, CSV, and others as well. As a result, you can easily fix MSG Import Error in Outlook:

Prevention Tips to Avoid MSG Import Errors

You can reduce the chances of errors with the following practices:

• You can keep backups of MSG files before moving them.
• Always keep your Outlook and Windows updated.
• Save emails as PST instead of only MSG for bulk storage.
• Avoid third-party email clients to open MSG files.
• Regularly scan your system for malware or corruption.

Conclusion

You can fix most MSG import errors with simple checks and Outlook fixes. However, when many files or corruption exists, an automated repair tool speeds the job. Therefore, always backup originals. Fix MSG Import Error in Outlook and get your data back as you want. Along with that, try the quick fix at first and use the above-mentioned trusted solution. Choose what is according to your need and personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Rohan Wiese

Rohan Wiese is a Technical Writer at Aryson Technologies. He is an expert Email Forensic, Cloud Computing, and a passionate nerd with over 10 years of experience in technical content writing. He writes about Cloud Migration, Database Recovery, Email Backup, Windows, Mac, and Tech.

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