Fix MSG File Cannot Be Associated With Outlook Errors

Have you also encountered the MSG file cannot be associated with Outlook error while using the Outlook email client? If yes, then this page has all that you need to learn to fix the MSG file not opening in Outlook issue. Thus, there are multiple reasons that make this emailing platform flash this notification and obstruct the user from doing any further action such as sending, receiving, editing, or viewing the MSG data swiftly. Therefore, to learn the various methods to deal with MSG file no longer associated with Outlook errors read this complete blog in detail. From the reasons to the best-automated tool to resolve this query, everything is briefly explained below.

Introduction to MSG File Cannot Be Associated With Outlook Error

The MSG file is derived from the Microsoft Outlook email client which contains items such as emails, calendars, tasks, contacts, and more. However, there are times when the user suddenly encounters an error on their screen while using Outlook that is “MSG File Cannot Be Associated With Outlook”. In layman’s terms, this alert means that Outlook is not supporting the MSG file and suggests the user try another email client to view MSG file.

On the other hand, the technical process behind this is that Outlook first searches for the MSG file type and Outlook version from which it was generated. But, if there is any lack in those MSG files, it starts showing the error continuously. There are various reasons which make Outlook come to this conclusion or make it inappropriate to open MSG file in Outlook.

Reasons Behind  MSG File Not Opening in Outlook Issue

• The user is not opening the MSG file in the updated or latest version of Outlook.
• When the user does not have access to the MSG file then also Outlook displays this error.
• Another possible reason to MSG file no longer associated with Outlook error can be the misconfiguration of the Microsoft Outlook account on the user’s device.
• Plus, when the user has already opened an MSG file in Outlook multiple times and still does it again and again then also the error occurs.
• Last but not least cause for this issue is when the user wants to open MSG file without Outlook which was generated by Outlook 2003 or the older versions.
• If the MSG file is UNICODE then also this error may occur as sometimes Outlook only supports the ANSI format and not UNICODE.

MSG File Not Opening in Outlook- Fix Using Manual Methods

There are different conventional methods that can help one fix this MSG file cannot be associated with Outlook error. However, below we are sharing some of the most prominent solutions that often give effective results to overcome this error. So, have a quick glimpse at them one by one.

1: Convert UNICODE Format to ANSI Format

1. Open the MSG file in Outlook.
2. Click on the File option and select the Save As option.
3. Choose .msg (Outlook Message Format).
4. Browse the Saving Location to save the output file.
5. Click on Save to convert UNICODE MSG to an ANSI file.

2: Update Microsoft Outlook

1. Run Microsoft Outlook on your device.
2. Click on File and choose Office Account.
3. Now, search for the Update option in this window.
4. Further, click on the Update and then tap on Update Now.
5. Wait until the update completes and it’s done.

3: Repair Outlook

1. Open the Control Panel of your device and go to Programs.
2. There, choose Features and search for Microsoft 365 in the list of applications.
3. Do the right-click on Microsoft 365 and choose “Change”.
4. Further, select the Repair option and follow the instructions given there.
5. Do the steps correctly and the error of  MSG file not opening in Outlook issue will be resolved.

Limitations of the Conventional Way

• These ways are not reliable since they don’t give a guarantee of troubleshooting results.
• The manual solutions do not meet professional requirements because they are completely indirect.
• Data loss or data alteration is also possible with these methods.
• Only users with technical knowledge can easily perform these manual methods.
• These solutions are very complex, time-consuming, and hectic as well for the user.

Read More: Expert Tips And Tricks to Remove Identical MSG Files

Professional Solution to Fix MSG File Cannot Be Associated With Outlook Error

After learning about three different manual ways to resolve the error “MSG file not opening in Outlook” and their shortcomings, it is evident that they put the data at risk. Therefore, in such a case getting yourself a reliable MSG Converter is the best alternative. It is completely easy to use and loaded with high-tech features such as dual file selection modes, saving destinations, output naming options, advanced filters, and more. Plus, this tool is compatible with every device and its versions, which makes it a robust utility to fix such Outlook errors.

Therefore, with this tool, we will convert the MSG data that is quoted as unassociated or unsupported by Outlook to PST file format. Thus, Outlook supports PST and has a dedicated option to bulk import PST files in Outlook effortlessly. So, to learn how it works, read the below-shared steps:

1. Install the above-mentioned tool on your device.
   
2. Use the given selection modes and choose MSG files that are not opening.
   
3. Select PST from the saving option.
   
4. Browse the saving location of the file.
   
5. Apply the filters and click on the Convert button.
   

Note: Once the process to save MSG files in PST format is completed, the user needs to import the resultant PST files into Outlook. This might resolve the MSG file not opening in Outlook issue swiftly. 

Features of the Automated Solution

• This tool has a number of saving options such as one can convert MSG to vCard, PDF, CSV, HTML, EML, EMLX, OLM, and more.
• There are file-saving destination options and file-naming options as well which make data access and management easier as well as organized.
• This tool also has advanced filters such as To, From, CC, BCC, Subject, Root Folders, Excluded Folders, and more. It helps the user to work only with the required files.
• With this tool, the user also gets a demo version which is completely free of cost. It helps the user explore the interface and features of this solution without investing a single penny.
• Plus, the user can also directly transfer MSG to Gmail, Amazon Workmail, Yahoo, Maildir, Thunderbird, and other prominent email clients.
• This tool is a completely safe, secure, and reliable solution to share even the most confidential data. Thus it keeps everything encrypted throughout the commanded process.
• One can also perform email actions such as extract email addresses from MSG files, import MSG files into Outlook web, or save MSG file attachments using this utility.

Conclusion

The ideal solution to fix the MSG file cannot be associated with Outlook error is to use a professional tool. They ensure safety, speed, and accuracy. This makes the entire process to resolve this MSG file not opening in Outlook issue efficient like never before. Thus, this utility is very proficient and makes sure to provide all the features to swiftly manage MSG files.