Ever received an Outlook .msg file on your Ubuntu system and wondered how to open it? No worries! This guide will equip you with three methods to access the contents of these .msg files, even though Ubuntu doesn’t natively support them.
Understanding .msg Files:
Outlook .msg files are a special format used by Microsoft Outlook to store emails, appointments, contacts, and more. While convenient for Outlook users, they can pose a challenge on other operating systems like Ubuntu.
Method 1: Effortlessly Convert with msgconvert
This method utilizes a handy script called msgconvert to transform your .msg file into a universally readable format (.eml).
Step 1: Gathering the Necessary Tools
Open your terminal (usually a black box application) and type the following command to install the required Perl modules:
sudo apt install libemail-outlook-message-perl libemail-localdelivery-perl libemail-sender-perl
Important Note: The sudo prefix grants temporary administrative rights to install these modules.
Step 2: Downloading the msgconvert Script
Next, we’ll retrieve the msgconvert script itself. Use this command in your terminal:
wget http://www.matijs.net/software/msgconv/msgconvert.pl
Step 3: Performing the Conversion
Now you can convert your .msg file! In your terminal, type this command, replacing YourMessage.msg with the actual filename:
perl msgconvert.pl YourMessage.msg
This will create a new .eml file, which you can open with any email client that supports this format.
Read: How to Use the Microsoft Outlook 2FA to Secure Remote Access
Method 2: Unveiling the Contents with MSGViewer
If you prefer a dedicated application, MSGViewer is a Java-based tool specifically designed for opening .msg files.
Step 1: Downloading MSGViewer
Head over to SourceForge (http://sourceforge.net/projects/msgviewer/) and download MSGViewer.
Step 2: Extracting the Downloaded File
Extract the downloaded file and navigate to the extracted folder using your terminal.
Step 3: Launching MSGViewer
Type this command in your terminal to launch MSGViewer:
java -jar MSGViewer.jar
Step 4: Opening Your .msg File
Simply drag and drop your .msg file into the MSGViewer window to view its contents.
Read: Best Email Clients of 2023
Method 3: Using an Online Viewer
For those who prefer to avoid installing additional software on their Ubuntu system, online viewers offer a convenient alternative for opening .msg files. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Head to an Online Viewer
One popular online viewer is accessible at https://msgeml.com. Simply navigate to the website in your web browser.
Step 2: Upload Your .msg File
The website will typically have a dedicated upload button or section. Locate your .msg file on your Ubuntu system and upload it using the provided interface.
Step 3: Explore the Contents
Once uploaded, the online viewer will display the contents of your .msg file. This usually includes:
- The message body itself
- Download links for any attachments included in the message
- Message headers, providing details like sender, recipient, and date
Bonus Feature: Conversion to .eml
Some online viewers offer an additional benefit. They might allow you to convert the uploaded .msg file to the more widely-readable .eml format. This can be helpful if you want to download and open the file later using your preferred email client.
The Takeaway
While Ubuntu doesn’t have built-in support for .msg files, these three methods empower you to access their contents with ease. Choose the method that best suits your needs – a conversion script, a dedicated application, or a convenient online viewer. Now you can conquer those .msg files and stay on top of your communication!
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