Viewing the message source in Outlook 2019 can be super helpful if you’re trying to troubleshoot an issue with an email or just want to take a peek at the technical details behind the scenes. It’s super easy once you know where to look. In just a few clicks, you’ll have all the info you need. Let’s dive into the steps, shall we?
Step by Step Tutorial: How to View Message Source in Outlook 2019
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why you might want to view the message source in Outlook 2019. By following these steps, you’ll be able to see the raw HTML of your email, the headers, and any other technical details that are usually hidden from view. This could be useful for a range of reasons, from debugging an email that isn’t displaying correctly to verifying the authenticity of a message.
Step 1: Open the email you want to view
Open the email in Outlook 2019 whose source you want to view.
When you open the email, make sure you’re doing so within the Outlook 2019 application, not the web version. This step is pretty straightforward – just double-click the email you’re curious about, and it’ll pop up in its own window.
Step 2: Click on “File”
Once the email is open, click on the “File” tab in the top left corner of the window.
The “File” tab is located in the top-left corner of the email window. It’s the first step toward accessing a bunch of different options related to your email, including the magical “Properties” option we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Click on “Properties”
In the “File” menu, look for and click on “Properties” towards the bottom.
The “Properties” window is where Outlook hides all the juicy technical details of your email. Here you’ll find the Internet headers, which contain all the information about how the email made its way to you.
Step 4: View the “Internet headers” box
In the “Properties” window, you’ll see a box labeled “Internet headers” at the bottom. This is where the message source is located.
The “Internet headers” box is a treasure trove of information. It’s a bit like reading the back of a food package – lots of technical info, some of which might be more helpful than others. But for those in the know, this information can be gold.
Step 5: Select and copy the message source
You can select all the text in the “Internet headers” box and copy it to your clipboard.
If you want to do some detective work on your email, you can paste this information into a text editor or an online tool to analyze it further. This is where you can really get down to the nitty-gritty of the email’s journey and contents.
What happens after you complete the action?
Once you’ve copied the message source, you can close the “Properties” window. You now have all the raw data from your email that you can analyze or use as needed. This information doesn’t change the email itself, so don’t worry – you’re not messing with anything. It’s just a behind-the-scenes look at the email’s journey to your inbox.
Tips for Viewing Message Source in Outlook 2019
- If the “Properties” option is greyed out, make sure you’ve opened the email in its own window.
- Use Ctrl+A to quickly select all the text in the “Internet headers” box.
- If you’re looking for something specific, use the search function (Ctrl+F) to find keywords in the message source.
- Remember that the message source can contain sensitive information, so be cautious about sharing it.
- If you’re troubleshooting, comparing the message source of a problematic email with one that’s working fine can be super helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between message source and message body?
The message source includes the raw HTML and headers, while the message body is the content you see when you open an email normally.
Can I edit the message source in Outlook 2019?
No, the message source is for viewing purposes only. You can’t edit it within Outlook 2019.
Why would I need to view the message source?
Viewing the message source can be helpful for troubleshooting email issues, verifying authenticity, or just satisfying curiosity about the technical details of an email.
Is the message source the same as the email header?
The message source includes the email header, but it also contains the raw HTML of the email body.
Can viewing the message source help with identifying spam or phishing emails?
Yes, the message source can provide clues about the origin of an email, which can be helpful in identifying suspicious messages.
Summary
- Open the email
- Click on “File”
- Click on “Properties”
- View the “Internet headers” box
- Select and copy the message source
Conclusion
Being able to view the message source in Outlook 2019 is like having x-ray vision for your emails. It allows you to see everything that’s happening behind the scenes, from the exact path the email took to reach you to the raw code that makes up its content. Whether you’re troubleshooting, verifying authenticity, or just plain curious, knowing how to access this information is a valuable skill.
Remember, while you can’t edit the message source within Outlook 2019, you can use it to better understand and solve email-related problems. And let’s be real, there’s something a little satisfying about peeking behind the curtain and seeing how it all works. So next time you’re scratching your head over an email issue, remember to view the message source—it just might hold the answer you’re looking for.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.