Outlook Univik MSG File Converter

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Convert MSG files without Outlook

Univik MSG Converter is professional Windows software to convert Microsoft Outlook MSG files to 15+ formats. No Outlook installation required. Batch process thousands of MSG files with complete attachment preservation.

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 Buy Now - $39

*Free trial exports first 10 MSG files. Full version for unlimited conversion.

  • No Outlook Required: Open and convert MSG files on any Windows PC without Microsoft Outlook. Save $150+/year in Office subscriptions.
  • Batch MSG Processing: Convert thousands of individual .msg files at once. Load entire folders recursively and process all emails in a single operation.
  • Consolidate to Single Archive: Merge scattered MSG files into one PST, MBOX, or PDF archive. Perfect for organizing Outlook exports.
  • 100% Offline & Secure: Desktop software processes emails locally - your sensitive communications never leave your computer.

Univik MSG Converter Box

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 MSG Sources Supported

 The MSG Challenge

Why MSG Files Are Problematic

MSG is Microsoft's proprietary format - locked to the Outlook ecosystem and creating unique challenges that require specialized solutions.

Proprietary Lock-In

MSG files are Microsoft's closed, binary format. Without Outlook or specialized software, these files are essentially inaccessible black boxes containing your important emails.

Outlook Dependency

Opening MSG files traditionally requires Microsoft Outlook installation - a paid software that costs $150+/year with Microsoft 365 subscription. Not everyone has access.

Cross-Platform Barrier

MSG files don't work on Mac, Linux, or mobile devices. If you're migrating away from Outlook or using multiple platforms, MSG becomes a major obstacle.

Scattered Email Exports

When you drag emails from Outlook, you get individual MSG files. Hundreds or thousands of separate files become unmanageable without consolidation tools.

Legal Discovery Challenges

For eDiscovery and legal proceedings, MSG files need to be converted to universally readable formats like PDF with preserved metadata and headers.

Long-Term Archival Risk

Depending on proprietary formats for permanent archives is risky. What happens when Outlook changes? Converting to open standards ensures future accessibility.

Univik MSG Converter Solves All These Problems

Open MSG files without Outlook, convert to universal formats, batch process thousands of files and create permanent archives - all in one tool.

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 Export Options

Convert MSG to 15+ Formats

Break free from Outlook dependency. Convert MSG files to any format you need.

Outlook

Outlook Formats

  • PST - Outlook Archive
  • OST - Offline Storage
  • MSG - Rename/Reorganize

Universal Email

  • EML - RFC 5322 Standard
  • EMLX - Apple Mail
  • MBOX - Thunderbird/Unix
  • MHT/MHTML - Web Archive

Document Formats

  • PDF - Portable Document
  • HTML - Web Page
  • RTF - Rich Text
  • TXT - Plain Text

Cloud Upload

  • Gmail - Google Workspace
  • Office 365 - Microsoft Cloud
  • IMAP - Any Mail Server

 Key Features

Powerful MSG Conversion Features

Every feature designed to solve real problems when working with Outlook MSG files.

No Outlook Installation Required

Convert MSG files on any Windows PC without Microsoft Outlook. Our independent MSG parsing engine reads the proprietary format directly, saving you $150+/year in Office subscriptions.

Unlimited Batch Processing

Process thousands of MSG files simultaneously with recursive folder scanning. Add entire folder hierarchies and convert everything in one operation with real-time progress tracking.

MSG to PST Consolidation

Merge thousands of scattered MSG files into a single organized PST archive. Preserves folder structure based on source directories for easy import back into Outlook.

Data

Complete Data Preservation

All email properties preserved: attachments, embedded images, HTML formatting, headers (From, To, CC, BCC, Date), MAPI properties, categories, flags and importance levels.

Intelligent Folder Mapping

Automatically recreates folder structure in output based on source directory hierarchy. MSG files from "Inbox/Projects" appear in matching folder structure in PST/MBOX output.

Filter

Advanced Filtering Options

Filter MSG files by date range, sender, recipient, subject keywords, size, or attachment presence. Convert only the emails you need from large MSG collections.

Built-in MSG Viewer

Full email preview without Outlook: view formatted body, attachments, headers and all MAPI properties. Works as a standalone MSG viewer even without converting.

Corrupted MSG Recovery

Advanced recovery mode extracts readable content from damaged MSG files. Handles truncated files, invalid CFB structures and encoding errors that crash Outlook.

 Technical Deep Dive

Inside the MSG File Format

Understanding MSG file structure explains why specialized software is required and how Univik MSG Converter handles conversion.

MSG File Structure

MSG files use Microsoft's Compound File Binary (CFB) format - the same container format as DOC and XLS files. This is a proprietary, complex binary structure:

  • CFB Container: OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) structured storage with sectors and directory entries.
  • MAPI Properties: Email data stored as MAPI property streams (PidTag values) - hundreds of possible properties.
  • Named Properties: Custom properties with GUIDs for extended attributes.
  • Attachment Streams: Each attachment stored as separate stream within the CFB container.
  • Recipient Tables: To, CC, BCC stored as sub-objects with their own property sets.

Why MSG is Challenging

Unlike plain-text EML files, MSG requires sophisticated parsing:

  • Binary Format: Cannot be read in a text editor - requires specialized parser.
  • MAPI Complexity: Over 400 defined property types with varying data formats.
  • Encoding Variations: Different Outlook versions use different property encodings.
  • Embedded Objects: OLE objects, signatures and embedded MSG files add complexity.

Univik MSG Converter implements a complete CFB and MAPI parser to extract all data accurately.

MSG File Internal Structure

MSG File (Compound File Binary)
├── Root Entry
│   ├── __properties_version1.0    [Email metadata: Subject, Date, Importance]
│   ├── __substg1.0_0037001F       [Subject - Unicode]
│   ├── __substg1.0_1000001F       [Body - Plain text]
│   ├── __substg1.0_10130102       [HTML Body]
│   ├── __substg1.0_0C1A001F       [Sender Name]
│   ├── __substg1.0_0E04001F       [Display To]
│   ├── __recip_version1.0_#00000000  [Recipient 1]
│   │   ├── __properties_version1.0
│   │   └── __substg1.0_3001001F   [Display Name]
│   ├── __attach_version1.0_#00000000 [Attachment 1]
│   │   ├── __properties_version1.0
│   │   ├── __substg1.0_3701xxxx   [Attachment Data]
│   │   └── __substg1.0_3704001F   [Filename]
│   └── [Additional properties and attachments...]
└── Mini Stream [Small data under 4096 bytes]

 Format Comparison

MSG vs EML: Proprietary vs Open

Understanding the key differences helps you choose the right output format for your needs.

MSG

MSG Format

Microsoft Proprietary
Format Type:Binary (CFB/OLE)
Human Readable:❌ No - requires parser
Cross-Platform:❌ Windows only (native)
Open Standard:❌ Microsoft proprietary
Outlook Required:✅ Yes (normally)
MAPI Properties:✅ Full Outlook metadata
Categories/Flags:✅ Preserved
Best For:Outlook ecosystem

EML Format

Open Standard
Format Type:Plain text (RFC 5322)
Human Readable:✅ Yes - open in Notepad
Cross-Platform:✅ Windows, Mac, Linux
Open Standard:✅ Internet standard
Outlook Required:❌ No - any email client
MAPI Properties:⚠️ Standard headers only
Categories/Flags:⚠️ Not preserved
Best For:Universal compatibility

When to Convert MSG to Each Format

→ EML

Cross-platform use, Thunderbird, archival

→ PST

Consolidate into Outlook archive

→ PDF

Legal, compliance, permanent archive

→ MBOX

Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Unix systems

 Compatibility

Supports All Outlook Versions

MSG files from any version of Microsoft Outlook - from legacy Office 2003 to the latest Microsoft 365.

Outlook Version Years MSG Format Supported
Microsoft 365 (Outlook) 2020-Present Unicode MSG ✓ Full Support
Outlook 2021 2021 Unicode MSG ✓ Full Support
Outlook 2019 2018-2021 Unicode MSG ✓ Full Support
Outlook 2016 2015-2020 Unicode MSG ✓ Full Support
Outlook 2013 2013-2018 Unicode MSG ✓ Full Support
Outlook 2010 2010-2015 Unicode MSG ✓ Full Support
Outlook 2007 2007-2012 Unicode/ANSI MSG ✓ Full Support
Outlook 2003 2003-2009 ANSI MSG ✓ Full Support
Outlook 2002/XP 2001-2006 ANSI MSG ✓ Full Support
Outlook 2000/97 1997-2003 ANSI MSG (Legacy) ⚠️ Best Effort

Note: Unicode MSG (Outlook 2003+) provides full international character support. ANSI MSG from older versions may have encoding limitations for non-Western characters.

 Real-World Scenarios

Common MSG Conversion Workflows

See how professionals use Univik MSG Converter to solve specific email challenges.

Scenario 1 Outlook to Thunderbird Migration

Problem: Employee switching from Windows/Outlook to Mac with Thunderbird. Has 8,000 MSG files exported from Outlook that need to migrate.

Solution: Convert all MSG files to MBOX format → Import directly into Thunderbird.

Time: ~20 minutes Result: All emails accessible in Thunderbird

Scenario 2 Legal Discovery Production

Problem: Law firm needs to produce 25,000 emails for litigation. Opposing counsel requests PDF format with headers preserved.

Solution: Batch convert MSG to PDF with full headers → Organized by custodian folders.

Time: ~2 hours Result: Court-ready PDF archive

Scenario 3 Consolidate Scattered MSG Files

Problem: IT admin has 50,000 MSG files across multiple network folders from departing employees. Needs single searchable archive.

Solution: Scan all folders recursively → Consolidate into single PST organized by source folder.

Time: ~3 hours Result: One organized PST archive

Scenario 4 Access Without Outlook License

Problem: Contractor receives MSG file attachments but doesn't have Outlook installed. Can't afford $150/year subscription.

Solution: Use MSG Converter as viewer → Convert to HTML or PDF for permanent access.

Time: Instant Result: Emails readable without Outlook

 How It Works

Convert MSG Files in 4 Simple Steps

Intuitive interface makes MSG conversion effortless - no technical expertise required.

1
Add MSG Files

Add MSG Files

Drag-drop MSG files, browse folders, or use recursive scan to find all MSG files automatically.

2
Preview Emails

Preview Content

View email body, attachments and headers before conversion. Select specific emails or convert all.

3
Select Format

Select Format

Choose output format: PST, EML, PDF, MBOX, HTML, or cloud upload. Configure options.

4
Convert

Convert

Click Convert and watch real-time progress. Completed files ready for immediate use.

Quick Start Guide

  1. Download MSG Converter from univik.com and run the installer.
  2. Launch the software - no Outlook installation required.
  3. Add Files using "Add Files" button, drag-drop, or "Add Folder" for bulk.
  4. Preview emails to verify content before conversion.
  5. Select Format from the Export dropdown (PST, EML, PDF, etc.).
  6. Configure Options - folder mapping, attachment handling, filters.
  7. Click Convert and wait for completion. Open output folder.

 Comparison

Univik vs Other Methods

Why choose Univik MSG Converter over alternatives?

Feature Univik MSG Converter Microsoft Outlook Online Converters
Outlook Required ❌ No ✅ Yes ($150+/yr) ❌ No
Batch Processing ✅ Unlimited ⚠️ Manual only ⚠️ Limited (1-10)
Output Formats 15+ formats 3-4 formats 2-5 formats
PST Consolidation ✅ Yes ❌ No ❌ No
Folder Structure ✅ Preserved ⚠️ Manual ❌ Lost
Email Preview ✅ Full preview ✅ Native ❌ None
Corrupted Recovery ✅ Advanced ❌ Crashes ❌ Fails
Data Privacy ✅ 100% Offline ✅ Local ❌ Uploads to server
Command Line ✅ Full CLI ❌ No ❌ No
One-Time Cost $39 Lifetime $150+/year $0-20/month

 Customer Reviews

What Our Customers Say

Real feedback from professionals using Univik MSG Converter.

JM

James Mitchell

IT Manager, Healthcare

"Saved us from buying 50 Outlook licenses just to read MSG files from a departing vendor. Converted 12,000 MSG files to our archive system in under an hour. The PST consolidation feature alone was worth it."

Verified Purchase - December 2024

LC

Lisa Chen

Paralegal, Law Firm

"Essential for our eDiscovery work. Converting MSG to PDF with full headers for court submissions used to take days manually. Now I batch convert entire custodian folders in minutes. The filtering by date range is perfect for production requests."

Verified Purchase - November 2024

RP

Robert Palmer

Freelance Consultant

"Clients constantly send me MSG files and I use Mac. This tool on my Windows VM lets me convert to EML which I can open anywhere. Only wish there was a native Mac version, but the Windows app works perfectly for my needs."

Verified Purchase - January 2025

 Technical Data Sheet

Technical Specifications

Complete product specifications and system requirements.

100%

VirusTotal Score: Clean  

Verified by 70+ antivirus engines. 100% safe to download and use.

  • Virus free
  • Spyware free
  • Adware free

Supported Input Files

MSG Files from:
• Microsoft Outlook 365/2021/2019/2016
• Outlook 2013/2010/2007/2003
• Unicode and ANSI MSG formats
• Outlook for Windows (all versions)
Unlimited file count supported.

Software Box
Product Name:Univik MSG Converter
Current Version:25.1 (January 2025)
File Size:19.5 MB
License Delivery:Instant via Email
Free Trial:Free Download
100% Safe & Secure

Latest Release

Version 25.1 Features

  • Improved CFB parser for complex MSG
  • Enhanced Unicode support
  • Better embedded object handling
  • Faster batch processing
  • Updated PDF rendering engine
Limitations
Trial Limitations:Free demo allows unlimited preview. Export limited to first 25 MSG files. Purchase license for unlimited conversion.
Requirements
Hard Disk:100 MB free (500 MB recommended for large conversions)
RAM:4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended for 10,000+ files)
Processor:Intel Core i3 or equivalent
Platforms
Platforms:
  • Windows: 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7 (32 & 64-bit)
  • Server: 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012
Prerequisites
Prerequisites:
  • Standalone: No additional software required
  • Outlook: NOT required - works independently
  • Offline: Works without internet after install

 Troubleshooting

Common MSG File Issues & Solutions

Having problems with MSG files? Find quick solutions to the most common issues.

Can't Open MSG Without Outlook

"Windows doesn't recognize this file type" or "No program associated"

Solutions:

  1. Use Univik MSG Converter: Opens and previews any MSG file without Outlook
  2. Convert to EML: Universal format readable by any email client
  3. Convert to PDF: Permanent access without any email software

MSG File is Corrupted

"The file is damaged and cannot be opened" or Outlook crashes

Solutions:

  1. Use Recovery Mode: Univik extracts readable content from damaged MSG
  2. Check file size: 0 KB means file is empty - retrieve from source
  3. Try different Outlook version: Older MSG may need legacy parser

Attachments Not Opening

"Attachment appears but won't download or open correctly"

Solutions:

  1. Extract separately: Use Univik to save attachments to folder
  2. Check embedded OLE: Some attachments are embedded objects
  3. Convert to EML: Standard MIME attachments are more compatible

Garbled Characters / Encoding

"Text shows ???, squares, or wrong characters"

Solutions:

  1. Check MSG type: ANSI MSG (pre-2007) has encoding limits
  2. Use Univik: Automatic encoding detection and conversion
  3. Specify codepage: Select correct encoding in advanced options

 Security

Your Data is 100% Safe

Enterprise-grade security for handling sensitive Outlook emails.

100% Offline

All processing happens locally. No internet needed after install.

No Cloud Uploads

Your MSG files never leave your computer. Zero server contact.

Digitally Signed

Authenticode signed installer. Windows SmartScreen verified.

VirusTotal Clean

Scanned by 70+ antivirus engines. 0 detections.

 Help & Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Univik MSG Converter.

MSG (Outlook Message) is Microsoft's proprietary email format used by Outlook. Each MSG file contains one email with attachments, headers and formatting. You need to convert MSG files when: (1) You don't have Outlook installed, (2) Migrating to non-Microsoft email clients, (3) Creating portable archives, (4) Legal compliance requirements, or (5) Cross-platform access on Mac/Linux.

Yes, absolutely! Univik MSG Converter works completely independently of Microsoft Outlook. It has its own MSG parsing engine that reads the proprietary CFB/MAPI format directly. You can convert MSG files on any Windows computer without any Microsoft Office products installed.

Yes, this is one of our most popular features! The consolidation mode lets you merge thousands of individual MSG files into a single organized PST archive. The software preserves folder structure based on source directories, so MSG files from different folders appear organized in the PST.

Yes, 100% attachment preservation! All attachments are fully preserved including documents (PDF, Word, Excel), images, archives (ZIP, RAR) and embedded objects. You can also extract attachments separately to a folder while converting emails.

Unlimited! Univik MSG Converter is designed for batch processing. We've tested with collections exceeding 100,000 MSG files. The software uses efficient memory management and processes files sequentially, limited only by available disk space.

Yes, we have advanced recovery mode! The converter can extract readable content from partially corrupted MSG files. It handles invalid CFB structures, truncated files, encoding errors and damaged MAPI property streams that would crash Outlook.

Your data is completely safe and private. Univik MSG Converter is a desktop application that works 100% offline. Your emails are never uploaded to any server. All processing happens locally on your computer. The original MSG files are never modified.

All versions! MSG Converter supports files from Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 and even legacy Outlook 2003/2002. Both Unicode MSG (modern) and ANSI MSG (legacy) formats are fully supported.

Yes, powerful filtering available! Filter by date range (sent/received), sender email, recipient, subject keywords, file size, or attachment presence. Perfect for legal discovery, targeted archives, or migrating specific date ranges.

The free trial provides full functionality for evaluation: unlimited file loading, complete email preview, all features available. Export is limited to the first 25 MSG files. Purchase a full license ($39) for unlimited conversion. Volume discounts available.

Still have questions? Contact support or Live Chat