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Asked: 2024-09-25T20:48:05+05:30 In:

What are the methods to open and view MSG files from Outlook on an Ubuntu system?

I’ve been wrestling with a somewhat frustrating situation lately, and I thought maybe you all could help me out. So, here’s the deal: I have a bunch of MSG files that I created in Outlook, but now I’m on an Ubuntu system for my daily grind. And it’s been a real hassle trying to figure out how to open and view these files without having to jump back into my old Windows environment.

I found out that MSG files are somewhat of a pain since they’re proprietary to Outlook, and opening them on Linux isn’t as straightforward. I’ve tried a few things, like just changing the file extension and attempting to read it with different text editors, but that’s pretty much been a nightmare. The content just looks like a jumbled mess, and I can’t make heads or tails of it.

I’ve searched online and stumbled across a couple of potential methods people have shared, like trying third-party applications or some open-source alternatives. There’s this thing called “pymsg” that I saw mentioned, but I haven’t delved into Python quite yet, so I’m a bit hesitant. Also, someone suggested using some document viewers, but I’m not sure those would work with MSG files specifically.

It would be awesome if someone could share their own experiences or maybe a step-by-step on how they managed to open and view MSG files on their Ubuntu system. I’m just looking for something simple and effective so I don’t have to feel like I’m flying blind every time I need to check these emails. If you’ve tried out any applications or methods that worked, I’d really appreciate the insights.

Honestly, this whole thing feels like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces, so any advice or recommendations would be hugely helpful. Let’s figure this out together!

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    2 Answers



    1. How to Open MSG Files on Ubuntu

      Opening MSG Files on Ubuntu: A Rookie’s Guide

      So, I totally get your struggle with those pesky MSG files! I’ve been there myself, and honestly, it can be super frustrating trying to deal with Outlook files on a Linux system. But don’t worry, there are some options you can try that might make your life a little easier.

      1. Using readmsg

      This is one of the simplest methods I found. You can install readmsg by using the following command in the terminal:

      sudo apt install readmsg

      After it’s installed, you can open an MSG file like this:

      readmsg yourfile.msg

      It usually does a decent job of converting the MSG file to a readable format!

      2. Python with pymsg

      If you’re slightly adventurous, you could give pymsg a shot. It’s a Python library that allows you to read MSG files. Here’s a really quick way to get it running:

      pip install pypi-msg

      Then you can use a simple script to read the content:

      
import msgparser

msg = msgparser.Msg('yourfile.msg')
print(msg.subject)
print(msg.body)

      Even if you’re new to Python, there are plenty of tutorials online that’ll guide you through it!

      3. Online Converters

      If you’re not ready to install anything yet, consider using an online conversion tool. Just upload your MSG file and choose to convert it to PDF or another format. Do keep in mind the privacy of your emails if you decide to go this route!

      4. Document Viewers

      You mentioned trying document viewers. While many don’t directly support MSG files, some alternatives like LibreOffice can sometimes open the content if converted first, although I wouldn’t bet on it working every time.

      Final Thoughts

      Hopefully one of these methods will help you out! It’s all about trial and error sometimes. If you run into any specific issues when trying these, feel free to reach out for more tips. Good luck, and may the coding gods smile upon your endeavors!



    2. You are correct that opening MSG files created in Outlook on an Ubuntu system can be quite challenging due to their proprietary nature. One of the most user-friendly solutions is to use a tool called “pymmsg,” which is a Python library specifically designed for reading MSG files. While your hesitation about delving into Python is understandable, this method is actually quite straightforward. First, you will need to install Python and the “pymmsg” library if they aren’t already on your system. You can do this via the terminal by executing the command `pip install pymmsg`. Once installed, you can create a simple Python script to open and read the content of your MSG files. The script would roughly look like this: 

      import pymmsg
msg = pymmsg.PyMSG("path/to/your/file.msg")
print(msg.subject)
print(msg.body)

      Another potential solution is using a dedicated email client that supports MSG files, such as Thunderbird with an appropriate add-on or plugin. While this option may require some additional setup, it allows you to manage your emails more comprehensively. One add-on to consider is “ImportExportTools NG,” which can facilitate the import of MSG files into Thunderbird. To do this, install Thunderbird, then install the add-on, and follow the on-screen instructions to import your MSG files. This method provides a graphical interface and allows for better email management compared to some Python scripts, making it easy for you to view your emails without feeling overwhelmed.


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