Cannot Open MSG File (Error: We can't open .msg. Its possible the file is already open, or you dont have permission)

Question

My coworker's computer suddenly went blue screen. I have to recover her .msg files via WinPE because I can't open Win10 due to a bluescreen error. after reimaging her computer and transferring back the outlook msg files the error suddenly appears. Hope you can help me with this.

Answer 1

we found disable/uncheck "Microsoft Teams Meeting add-in for microsoft office" and Restart the outlook .

Now you will not get error message in opening .msg file multiple time.

or if you are still getting error message then remove add-in one by one after restarting outlook and check .msg file every time.

you will get the add-in which is causing this issue.

Answer 2

i had the same error and we found out that the network path name seems to be to long where the files are located.

we could copy the files to our local pc and we could open them but after further investigation the lenght of the path seemd to cause this issue.

Answer 3

File seems to be locked or lacking permissions - there is no antivirus in play which might be locking the file?
That said, it may be possible to make a copy of the file, and to open the copy.

Answer 4

Hi @John Matthew Verendia ,

Welcome to our forum!

In order to better understand the issue, could you please provide some detailed information?

1. What detailed version of Outlook are you using(File > Office Account > About Outlook)? Please make sure you have upgrade to the latest version(File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now).
2. Sometimes third-party add-in may cause the problem, run Outlook in safe mode and see if the issue persists: press "win+R", type outlook /safe in run command, then press enter. If the issue doesn't reprodeuce in safe mode, you need to manually disable the add-in to find out which one is causing the problem.
   Go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
   At the bottom of the page, click Go.
   In the COM Add-ins window uncheck the Add-in you want to disable and click OK, then re-open the .msg file. Make sure you go through the restart-disable-restart process for every add-in that was originally enabled in Outlook.

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Answer 5

Mr.MdeRooij. Thanks a lot, worked with me. (make a copy of the file, and to open the copy.)