FFAPI: Understanding Microsoft Mail File Formats

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Mail Software Development Kit (SDK) File Format Application Program Interface (FFAPI), version 3.0

SUMMARY

The Microsoft Mail File Format (MMFF) is an input or output file that contains messages formatted especially for Microsoft Mail. These messages are messages that have been exported from the Mail data files or are about to be imported into the Mail data files.

There are four MMFF types:

- Basic message format

- Extended message format

- Encapsulated message format

- Extended mailbag header format

A complete description of all file formats is in the "Microsoft Mail Software Development Kit File Format API for Gateways and Applications" manual. This article describes the purpose of each file format.

MORE INFORMATION

Basic Message Format

This format should be used for very basic application interfaces; for example, automating reporting procedures to send mail directly from a database application. This format does not support CC: fields; when exporting messages with a CC: field, CC: addresses will be converted to TO: addresses. Attempting to import messages with a CC: will generate errors.

Extended Message Format

This format allows a developer to access message header date, address, and file details. This format is typically used when you want to access information in a message file that would otherwise not be available. For example, you can build an extended message field that split the time into three components: hours, minutes, and seconds. You can also access detailed information about attached files, such as name, size, create date, and file type.

Extended Mailbag Header Format

This format allows you to access individual pieces of mail in a mailbag. By enumerating mailbag headers, you can choose which particular item you want to extract or delete. You can also manipulate the individual mailbag headers in the mailbag file.

For example, your application could read all the unread headers in its mailbag and display them in a type of list box. Selecting a particular header would tell the application to extract that mail message.

Encapsulated Message Format

Encapsulated message format should be used when the messages are being routed through foreign mail systems, such as X.400 or SMTP. The entire message will be encapsulated as an attachment, and transmitted through the foreign system with a dummy header.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Mail Software Development Kit File Format API for Gateways and Applications"