Outlook Attachment Preview as Text

Andy Jacobs 21 Reputation points
2022-04-12T22:13:30.763+00:00

I am sent *.log files as attachments. These have text, which I can view in Notepad. In Outlook, when I click them on a message, Outlook displays

This file cannot be previewed because there is no previewer installed for it.

Is there some way I can associate *.log files with the TEXT viewer? Or, even better, have Outlook always use the TEXT viewer when I want to view any other file type it does not already know about?

I am using Windows 11.

Outlook Management
Outlook Management
Outlook: A family of Microsoft email and calendar products.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
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Accepted answer
  1. Faery Fu-MSFT 16,836 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2022-04-19T10:00:18.183+00:00

    Hi @Andy Jacobs ,

    Check HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.log registry key's (Default) value. It has to be "txtfile" (without quotes). The registry change will take effect the next time you log in.
    194281-txtfile.jpg

    Hope this can help you!

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  1. Faery Fu-MSFT 16,836 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2022-04-13T04:08:39.477+00:00

    Hi @Andy Jacobs ,

    Welcome to our forum!

    This file cannot be previewed because there is no previewer installed for it.

    In order to verify, can only this particular type of attachment fail to open or all attachments fail to open?
    What detailed version of Outlook are you using(File > Office Account > About Outlook)? Please upgrade it to the latest via File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.

    Given your case, it is recommended you try the following troubleshoting:

    • Check Attachment Handling Settings
      Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Attachment Handling.
      Ensure that Turn off Attachment Preview is NOT checked.
      Make sure that the previewer you wish to use is checked, then select “OK” three times.
      Select the Attachment and Document Previewers… button. 192437-unchecked.png

    Besides, if you want to change default program for opening attachments, here is an article for your reference:
    https://www.msoutlook.info/question/706
    (Note: Since the web site is not hosted by Microsoft, the link may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.)

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it.
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