How to Extract Metadata from MSG Files Without Data Loss?

Metadata is one of the most crucial elements of any item, and thus, a lot of users often want to extract metadata from MSG files so that they can access more insights about the selected file. Therefore, to help such users find a reliable solution to save MSG email metadata, we have prepared this complete guide. It covers the common objectives to save metadata from MSG files, the possible methods to do this, and their effects so that users get complete knowledge of the topic or process. Hence, to learn everything in detail to extract MSG files metadata, read and follow the complete guide till the very end.

What is Metadata? 

In a nutshell, metadata is the data that provides deep insights about the shared data. In terms of an MSG file, metadata are minor details such as sender, attachments, receiver, subjects, email headers, timestamps, message properties, and more. Most of these metadata elements of the MSG file are often hidden or saved in the backend of the file.

Thus, the process to extract metadata from MSG files helps in easy categorizing, organizing, data retrieval, and keeping track of data efficiently. Last but not least, if one extract metadata from MSG files, they can easily access hidden details such as authentication records, email routing paths, modification history, and more, which are not available in the usual layout of the MSG file.

Why Do Users Extract Metadata from MSG Files?

• The process to save metadata from MSG files helps a lot in forensic analysis, which is to read and investigate the details such as hidden properties, timestamps, sender/receiver details, etc.
• Doing this also helps in verifying, evaluating, and analyzing the MSG file details for legal compliance.
• This also helps in email management as one can easily sort, archive, or label MSG files on the basis of metadata’s attributes.
• Getting access to metadata from MSG files also helps in checking for unauthorized modifications and other digital crimes such as spoofing, phishing, etc.
• Users also extract metadata from MSG files to keep a check of communication history, anomalies, etc.
• In addition to that, it also helps in the import of MSG metadata into logs, workflows, databases, and more.

How to Extract Metadata from MSG Files?

There are multiple solutions to save MSG email metadata, however, not each one of them can benefit professionally or give quality output. But, still to have a brief of them about their working and effects, read the methods mentioned below.

Method 1: Save MSG Email Metadata Using the Manual Way

1. Download and run Outlook on your device.
2. Go to the MSG file location and right-click on the MSG file.
3. Choose Open With and select Outlook.
4. Now, click on the three-dots menu option and choose Actions.
5. There, select Other Actions and choose View Source.
6. Now, from the source code, find and copy the MSG metadata.
7. Further, paste them into any text editor such as MS Word, Notepad, etc.
8. Finally, save the file containing the MSG metadata, and you are good to go.

Alert: This method might work to extract metadata from one to two MSG files, but it is not reliable for bulk drill to save MSG email metadata. Thus, it is very complex, time-consuming, and repetitive for each MSG file. In addition to that, the user must have Outlook access and need to find the required metadata specifically from a lengthy source code, which is very difficult for non-tech users. Overall, each step in this method to extract metadata from MSG files is conventional and cannot be performed by a beginner.

Method 2: Extract Metadata from MSG Files Using a Third-Party Tool

The manual way to save MSG file metadata is very indirect or tough to follow and, therefore, the experts suggest that professionals use a reliable MSG Metadata Extractor. It helps the user to perform bulk actions and share the metadata in a separate tab with clear tags or labels so that the user gets quick and accurate results in one go. In addition to that, the steps to use this utility to save MSG file metadata are also very easy. Hence, have a quick look at them from the below-mentioned points.

1. Install and run the tool mentioned above.
2. Click on Open and select the MSG files/folders.
3. Once done, select any MSG file that you have imported into the tool.
4. At last, click on the tab “Properties” or “Message Header”, to view and extract the metadata of MSG files.

Alternative Solution to Manage MSG Data

In case, none of the above solutions work for you and thus, you just wish to manage and seamlessly work with MSG files, then using a reliable MSG Converter is the best solution. It has 35+ saving options which include email clients and file formats, dual file selection modes, advanced filtration, file naming option, file saving destination option, offline access to the tool, free demo version, and so on. The best thing is that it supports bulk actions, maintains MSG file originality, and keeps the data protected from any sort of data loss. Overall, it is a one-stop solution that helps in efficient MSG file management without any hassle or data alteration. Last but not least, the quick steps to use this tool are:

1. Install and run the tool.
   
2. Select the MSG files/folders.
   
3. Choose the file saving option such as convert MSG to PDF, HTML, DOC, TXT, PNG, EML, OLM, MBOX, Gmail, Thunderbird, Yahoo, and so on.
   
4. Select the file naming option and file saving destination option.
   
5. Apply the filters and click on the Convert option to organize the MSG file.
   

FAQs

1. What are the metadata that MSG files contain?

Subject, message class, client submit time, transport message headers, sender address type, creation time, last modified time, and so on other details are metadata content that MSG file contains.

2. Which is the best file format to convert MSG file to see metadata clearly?

There is no such experts approved or professionally suggested file format that shares each and every metadata of MSG file clearly after conversion. However, one can save MSG to EML, TXT, MBOX, etc. to see the source code of the MSG file and extract the basic metadata such as date, time, subject, sender, receiver, etc.

3. What are the benefits of using an automated tool to extract metadata from MSG files?

It allows the user to bulk extract MSG file metadata and view them in the easiest layout. Therefore, the user does not need to waste time in search of metadata and gets everything in dedicated tabs.

Conclusion

In total the best way to extract metadata from MSG files is via the professional MSG Metadata Extractor as it has various options that help in productive results with minimal effort. In addition to that, the manual way is not reliable and depends on Outlook whereas the professional solution is safe, fast, and independent of Outlook. Last but not least, users can also download the MSG file converter tool to view, edit, open, fix, share, convert, and transfer MSG drills without the support of Outlook or any other third-party solution.