Problems with changing the TYPE in Microsoft Outlook folders once saved in CLASSIC OUTLOOK

Linda Kolla 0 Reputation points
2026-07-31T02:03:40.7833333+00:00

When I logged back in, I was required to allow an Outlook update, which automatically put me into NEW OUTLOOK (By the way, it is an AWFUL SYSTEM, as it changed EVERYTHING!!!!!!), so somehow or another, I found out how to go back to CLASSIC OUTLOOK, but when I saved an email into my folders in Microsoft, the TYPE was designated as OUTLOOK (but it should be Unicode-UTF8)...I found out how to get it to that when saving documents, but, although I SAVED it by hitting OKAY, it reverted back to OUTLOOK as the type. Unfortunately, if I attempt to open a document in that format, it automatically takes me to all my emails in NEW OUTLOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to not be able to access ANY of my already/previously saved documents...

PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you!

PII

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home
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  1. Alice-N 13,255 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-01T04:03:54.0566667+00:00

    Please note that this is a public forum. We will edit your question to hide personal information, but please avoid sharing personal or organizational details in future posts to protect your privacy.


    Hi Linda Kolla

    Reply with only these details:

    • What is the file extension of the saved files, for example .msg, .eml, .txt, or something else?
    • Do they open if you right-click the file and choose Open with > Outlook (classic)?
    • Are you seeing an error message, or does the file only open New Outlook?

    Please try the steps below:

    1) Set saved Outlook message files to open with Classic Outlook

    Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps.

    In the search box, type the file extension of one affected saved email file, such as:

    • .msg
    • .eml
    • .oft

    Then choose Outlook (classic) as the default app if it appears.

    2) Test one saved file manually

    Right-click one affected saved email file, select Open with, then choose Outlook (classic) if it appears.

    If you see an option to always use that app for this file type, select it.

    3) Make sure you are launching Classic Outlook

    Open the Windows Start menu and search for Outlook (classic). Please use that app, not Outlook (new).

    If New Outlook keeps opening, open New Outlook and use the option to switch back to Classic Outlook.

    4) About “Type” and Unicode

    If these are saved Outlook email files, the Windows Type column may still show an Outlook message type even when the message was saved in Unicode format.

    The more important part is which app Windows uses to open the file. Once the file association is changed back to Outlook (classic), your older saved email files should stop opening in New Outlook.

    Please tell me how it goes. If the problem persists, please don’t hesitate to reply to this thread and I will be happy to help. Have a lovely day!  

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