If some messages arrive from the Internet looking like scrambled eggs, then you need to save each one as a file, then decode it. This is much less of a problem with current versions of Microsoft Outlook than it was with older versions of Microsoft Outlook and Exchange Messaging.
There are two types of files that may need decoded: uuencoded messages, that for one reason or another did not get decoded by Outlook and winmail.dat files that result from using RTF message format.
The TNEF/winmail.dat decoder tools can be used by non-Outlook users to "crack open" winmail.dat files to recover attachments.
Tools
Rot-13 Addin is Rot-13 encoder/decoder for Outlook.Free. Version: 1.0.0.3 | |
Tool for Macintosh computers to decode the Winmail.dat attachment sent in Rich Text Format messages. | |
Winmail Opener is a small and simple utility that allows users to view and extract contents of TNEF-encoded messages (winmail.dat). Version 1.4 - Free. | |
Open, convert and save the files on winmail.dat email attachments sent by Microsoft Outlook and Exchange. Easy-to-use graphic interface (no command-line tool). Displays the original message subject and body. Free. Android version available. | |
Online utility to decode attachments sent by Outlook that arrive as Winmail.dat files because the message was sent in Rich Text Format format. |
More Information
If other people complain that your messages arrive with gibberish or a mysterious WINMAIL.DAT file, see Outlook is sending winmail.dat attachments to Internet addresses
why does not word doc file send as winmail.dat from my Outlook to aol?
What does it why doesn't it? I'm going to assume you means why your AOL account gets the winmail.dat file... something in the autocomplete record makes outlook think it should always use RTF to that address. Delete the autocomplete entry and select the address from contacts or type it in the To field.
If its a continuing problems, there is a reg key at the bottom of https://www.slipstick.com/problems/outlook-is-sending-winmail-dat-attachments/ that will disable it.