what type file should be used to save emails to my documents folde

[GaryE]

Using OL2007 when saving an email to a file in my documents folder the save
as option presents several file formats; text only, outlook message format,
outlook message format-unicode, HTML, and MHT files. What is the advantage
or disadvantage of one format vs. another format?

 

[Roady [MVP]]

Mainly the difference is compatibility, what is included, if it is being
contained in one or multiple files and how it is to be opened later.
So the return question would be; what do you intend to do with the files
after you have saved them?
Use the msg-format to store the message in its native Outlook format.
Opening the msg-file would look like it was still in Outlook and includes
attachments as well; the other formats do not.

 

[GaryE]

Thanks Roady for your very helpful response. To answer your question; I put
all files (proposals, budgets, worksheets, invoices etc.) for a particular
project in a folder (& sub-folders of course). At the conclusion of a
project I copy all essential e-mails into that folder as well, this way if I
have to refer back to this project everything pertaining to this project is
in one place. I than delete all e-mails regarding this project in my outlook
which also helps me manage my outlook as well.

By experimenting with the different saving options I noticed that saving in
outlook message format or outlook message format - unicode, was the only
option that included any attachments as well so you didn't have to copy them
separately. Because of this, and also the fact it looks like the original
e-mail, I thought this was probably the best option, but I figured there had
to be a reason the other save as options are given, henceforth my question.
Since I am using OL2007 and my assistant is using OL2003, I should probably
use the outlook message format - unicode vs. the option without unicode, or
doesn't it much matter since it would now be out of outlook? I ask this
because I have noticed the file is sligthly smaller without the unicode
option. Thanks again for your help Roady!

 

[Roady [MVP]]

You're welcome!
Unicode it the new format that Outlook uses. It offers support for
international characters.
Unicode formatted msg-files are supported by Outlook 2003 as well.

 

[GaryE]

Thanks for your follow up Roady!
Just out of curiosity - why would someone save a file in a document folder
in a HTML, MHTML (whatever that is) or text format?

 

[Roady [MVP]]

Mainly if they want to be able to open it in a program other than Outlook.
Of course there could be other reasons as well ;-)

 

[GaryE]

Thanks for all your follow up & help. I appreciate it.