What is MIME type "application/vnd.ms-outlook"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

The application/vnd.ms-outlook MIME type tells software how to handle Outlook data files. It lets Microsoft Outlook save and share emails and other communications in its own formats.
It is the backbone for storing and archiving email content and related data.

• Email storage: Individual messages are saved in MSG files.
• Data archives: Entire mailboxes and folders are backed up in PST files.
• Offline access: A local copy of a mailbox is kept in OST files.
• Message templates: Predefined emails use OFT files.
• Legacy support: Older Outlook versions use formats like NST and PAB to store personal folder data.

This MIME type ensures that Outlook and compatible programs read the file correctly. For more details on MIME types, see the MIME article.

Associated file extensions

.msg, .pst, .ost, .oft, .nst, .pab

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:

    Content-Type: application/vnd.ms-outlook
  

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:

    <a href="file.dat" type="application/vnd.ms-outlook">Download file</a>
  

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:

    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/vnd.ms-outlook');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);
  

Associated file extensions

.msg, .pst, .ost, .oft, .nst, .pab