What is Winmail.dat? The Complete Guide
If you've ever received a mysterious "winmail.dat" file that won't open, you're not alone. This comprehensive guide explains everything about these files, why they exist, and most importantly, how to access their contents.
Quick Answer: Winmail.dat is a file created by Microsoft Outlook containing email attachments and formatting that other email programs can't read.
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Definition and Technical Details
What Exactly is Winmail.dat?
Winmail.dat is a file attachment created by Microsoft Outlook when sending emails in Rich Text Format (RTF). The file uses a proprietary format called TNEF (Transport Neutral Encapsulation Format), which was developed by Microsoft to preserve formatting and attachments in emails.
Key Point: Only Microsoft Outlook and Exchange can natively read TNEF format. This is why recipients using Gmail, Apple Mail, or other email clients see the mysterious winmail.dat file.
Technical Specifications
- Format: TNEF (Transport Neutral Encapsulation Format)
- MIME Type: application/ms-tnef
- File Extension: .dat
- Created By: Microsoft Outlook
- Binary Format: Proprietary Microsoft
Alternative Names
- • winmail.dat
- • win.dat
- • Part 1.2 (in some email clients)
- • ATT00001.dat
- • Application/MS-TNEF attachment
Why Winmail.dat Files Are Created
Microsoft Outlook creates winmail.dat files under specific conditions:
Rich Text Format (RTF) Emails
When Outlook is configured to send emails in Rich Text Format, it packages all formatting and attachments into TNEF format.
Special Outlook Features
Using Outlook-specific features like voting buttons, meeting requests, or custom forms triggers TNEF encapsulation.
Contact Settings
Individual contacts in Outlook may be set to receive emails in RTF format, overriding default settings.
Exchange Server Configuration
Corporate Exchange servers may be configured to send external emails in TNEF format by default.
What's Inside a Winmail.dat File
A winmail.dat file is essentially a container that can hold various types of content:
Typical Contents
File Attachments
Documents, spreadsheets, PDFs, images, and any other files attached to the original email
Rich Text Formatting
Fonts, colors, styles, tables, and other formatting from the original message
Email Message Body
The actual text content of the email message
Meeting Information
Calendar invites, meeting requests, and appointment details
Contact Information
vCard data and contact details embedded in the email
Common Problems and Frustrations
Can't Open on Mobile
iPhone, iPad, and Android devices can't natively open winmail.dat files, leaving mobile users frustrated.
Missing Attachments
Important documents appear to be missing because they're hidden inside the winmail.dat file.
Gmail Incompatibility
Gmail and other popular email services don't support TNEF format, showing only the .dat file.
Business Impact
Lost productivity and missed deadlines when important files can't be accessed immediately.
How to Open Winmail.dat Files
Recommended Solution for iOS Users
The fastest and most reliable way to open winmail.dat files on iPhone and iPad is using a dedicated app:
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Alternative Methods by Platform
For Windows Users
- • Use Microsoft Outlook (native support)
- • Install free Winmail Opener software
- • Use online converters (privacy concerns)
For Mac Users
- • Use TNEF's Enough app from App Store
- • Install Winmail File Viewer for macOS
- • Use command line tools (technical users)
For Android Users
- • Download Winmail.dat Opener from Play Store
- • Use online services (requires upload)
How to Prevent Winmail.dat Files
For Outlook Senders (Stop Creating Winmail.dat)
Method 1: Change Default Message Format
- Go to File → Options → Mail
- Under "Compose messages", select "HTML" or "Plain Text"
- Click OK to save changes
Method 2: Set Format for Specific Recipients
- Open the recipient's contact card
- Double-click their email address
- Change "Internet format" to "Send Plain Text only"
Method 3: Exchange Server Settings
Ask your IT administrator to configure Exchange to send external emails in HTML format by default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are winmail.dat files dangerous?
No, winmail.dat files themselves are not dangerous. They're simply containers for email content. However, like any email attachment, the files inside could potentially be malicious, so always scan attachments with antivirus software.
Why does only Outlook create these files?
Microsoft developed the TNEF format specifically for Outlook and Exchange Server to preserve rich formatting and special features. It's a proprietary format that Microsoft never intended for use with other email clients.
Can I convert winmail.dat to PDF?
Winmail.dat files can't be directly converted to PDF because they're containers that may hold multiple files. You need to first extract the contents, then convert individual documents to PDF if needed.
Will winmail.dat files ever go away?
As long as people use older versions of Outlook with RTF formatting, winmail.dat files will continue to exist. Microsoft has made HTML the default format in newer versions, but many corporate environments still use RTF for internal communications.
Why can't email providers fix this automatically?
Email providers like Gmail could theoretically decode TNEF files, but they choose not to for several reasons: security concerns, the proprietary nature of the format, and the computational overhead of processing these files server-side.
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