DOCUMENT:Q87223  30-OCT-1999  [pcmail]
TITLE   :FFAPI: Understanding Microsoft Mail File Formats
PRODUCT :Microsoft Mail For PC Networks
PROD/VER::3.0
OPER/SYS:
KEYWORDS:

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The information in this article applies to:

 - Microsoft Mail Software Development Kit (FFAPI), version 3.0 
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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"


Additional query words: 3.00 pcmail ffapi

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbAudDeveloper kbMailSearch kbSDKSearch kbSDKMailFFAPI300
Version           : :3.0

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