How to Extract Attachments from MSG Files?

Summary: Want to learn how to batch extract attachments from MSG files? Well, in this blog, we will be discussing three different ways, a manual solution, Python Script and an automated solution by Corbett to complete the process. So, let’s continue with post…

To store email messages, Microsoft uses it proprietary MSG format. When a user drags and saves an email message in a local folder on their computer, the message is stored with a .msg extension. This file format stores the metadata of the email message as well. The file format also saves the links and attachments of the email message. The MSG file format is easily sharable among users. One can import and open this file format in Outlook. Unfortunately, non Outlook users are an exception to this trade.

Therefore, in this article, we have brought you top three solutions that you can use to successfully extract attachments from MSG files. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the article.

User Query:

Reasons Users Extract MSG File Attachments

There are several reasons why users seek methods to extract attachments from MSG file/s. In this segment, we have shared the most common reasons.

• MSG file attachments are not easily searchable nor easily editable.
• MSG backups occupy significant space on disks, network shares prominently due to their large attachments.
• Extracting and saving attachments from MSG files makes it easier for users to manage the attachment files without having to search through all the emails over and over.

Now that we are aware of the prime reasons why users look for solutions to extract their MSG files attachments. Let us dive further into the article and know the solutions.

Limitations Associated with the Manual Solution

• Since the solution is manual in nature, there is a high chance users could face data loss or corruption if anything goes wrong during the execution.
• Using this method, one can only extract a few attachments from their MSG files, it is not possible to bulk extract attachments from MSG using this solution.
• There is a chance that the formatting and structure of your MSG file attachments could change after the manual extraction process.
• One must execute the procedure with extreme caution as not paying enough attention can cause multiple errors that could lead to atrocities like corrupted or lost attachments.

So, as you see, these stated limitations make this process an unappealing choice for users. Therefore, they look for a reliable method that can successfully bulk extract MSG file attachments.

Limitation Associated with this Manual Solution

This method is only applicable for Python users, i.e., this manual way of extracting email attachments from MSG files requires technical knowledge of Python and the installation of multiple library packages. If you are familiar with Python, use the script to extract attachments from MSG files, however, if you cannot use this method, you can move forward and check out the automated solution suggested by experts.

Steps to Batch Extract Attachments from MSG Files

• Launch the Corbett MSG Attachment Extractor on your Windows system. Click on Open >> Email Data File >> MSG Files.
  
• Upon doing so, the tool will list all the data in the preview panel.
  
• Afterward, click on the “Extract” button from the menu bar and select the “Attachments” option from the list to batch extract attachments from MSG files.

And you are done with the hassle-free procedure to batch extract MSG attachments. Furthermore, in the following segment, we have also mentioned some of the prime features users get when they opt for this too.

Q4: What do I do if I only want to extract attachments of a specific file extension?

A4: Use the above-mentioned automated utility. It provides an advanced filter that helps in extracting MSG attachments with your desired file extension. This greatly helps when you want to selectively extract MSG attachments for better organization and management purposes.

So There You Have It

In this guide, we discuss the top three most recommended solutions to extract attachments from MSG Files in bulk. Here, we discussed a manual drag and drop method, Python Script & an automated solution by Corbett Software to complete the process. Unfortunately, the manual method comes with heaps of drawbacks and the Python Script method is only applicable for fluent Python users. Therefore, our recommendation is to go with an automated solution that delivers secure & precise results. This tool provides you with multiple options along with attachment extraction. In addition, the software is tested and verified by IT Admins and experts.