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https://github.com/praveenkumar109/emailattachmentextractorapp

A console application written in C# that extracts email attachments from specific folders in an Outlook PST file. Attachments are saved to a specified directory, organized by sender and subject. This tool is useful for archiving and organizing attachments from large volumes of emails.
https://github.com/praveenkumar109/emailattachmentextractorapp

extracts-email-attachments outlook

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A console application written in C# that extracts email attachments from specific folders in an Outlook PST file. Attachments are saved to a specified directory, organized by sender and subject. This tool is useful for archiving and organizing attachments from large volumes of emails.

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# Outlook Attachment Extractor



A console application written in C# that extracts email attachments from specific folders in an Outlook PST file. Attachments are saved to a specified directory, organized by sender and subject. This tool is useful for archiving and organizing attachments from large volumes of emails.



## Features



- **Extract Attachments**: Retrieves attachments from emails in specified Outlook folders, such as "Sent Items" or custom folders.

- **Organized Storage**: Saves attachments in folders structured by sender and email subject.

- **Error Handling**: Skips attachments that have already been saved and logs any errors during the extraction process.

- **Recursive Folder Search**: Supports recursive enumeration of subfolders to extract attachments from all nested folders.

- **Customizable File Path**: The base path where attachments are saved can be easily modified.



## Requirements



- Microsoft Outlook installed on the machine.

- C# development environment (such as Visual Studio).

- .NET Framework with support for `Microsoft.Office.Interop.Outlook`.



## Installation and Setup



1. **Clone the repository**:

   ```bash

   git clone https://github.com/your-username/outlook-attachment-extractor.git

   cd outlook-attachment-extractor



2. **Open in Visual Studio**:

   - Open `OutlookAttachmentExtractor.sln` in Visual Studio.



3. **Set the Base Path**:

   - The default base path for saving attachments is `C:\temp\emails\`. You can change this in the `Program.cs` file by modifying the `basePath` variable.



4. **Add Reference to Microsoft Outlook Interop**:

   - In Visual Studio, go to **Project > Add Reference**.

   - Select **COM > Microsoft Outlook xx.x Object Library** (where `xx.x` matches your Outlook version).



## Usage



1. **Run the Application**:

   - Start the application in Visual Studio or build and run the executable.



2. **Select Folders to Process**:

   - The script defaults to processing the "Sent Items" folder in the provided PST file.

   - You can change the folder to "Inbox" or other specific folders by modifying the `EnumerateFoldersInDefaultStore` function.



3. **Process Accounts**:

   - Uncomment `EnumerateAccounts()` in `Main` to list available accounts and choose one to process specific folders for that account.



## Code Overview



The main logic is in `Program.cs`, organized into several key methods:



- **EnumerateFoldersInDefaultStore()**: Loads the PST file and initiates folder enumeration.

- **EnumerateFolders()**: Recursively navigates through subfolders, processing only the specified folders (e.g., "Sent Items").

- **IterateMessages()**: Loops through messages in each folder, extracting attachments and saving them based on sender and subject.

- **EnumerateAccountEmailAddress()**: Retrieves the email address for an account.

- **EnumerateAccounts()**: Lists all Outlook accounts for selection and processing.

- **GetFolder()**: Retrieves a specific folder based on a provided path.



### Sample Directory Structure



Attachments are saved in the following directory structure:

```

C:\temp\emails\

├── Sent Items

│   ├── [Sender Name]

│   │   └── [Subject]

│   │       ├── Attachment1.pdf

│   │       └── Attachment2.jpg

└── Inbox

    └── [Sender Name]

        └── [Subject]

            └── Attachment1.docx

```



## Example Output



```

Checking in Sent Items\John Doe

Saving: C:\temp\emails\Sent Items\John Doe\Project Proposal\Proposal.pdf

Saving: C:\temp\emails\Sent Items\John Doe\Project Proposal\Budget.xlsx

Checking in Sent Items\Jane Smith

Saving: C:\temp\emails\Sent Items\Jane Smith\Meeting Notes\Notes.docx

```



## Error Handling



If an error occurs (e.g., a folder cannot be found or an attachment cannot be saved), it is logged to the console. Common issues, such as duplicate files, are handled gracefully to prevent file overwriting.