Outlook: Fixing Broken Message Subjects Containing Specific Version Numbers on Windows 10

Introduction

This article aims to help users of Outlook 2019 (Office Professional Plus) on Windows 10 who are experiencing broken message subjects containing specific version numbers. The issue seems to be poorly documented, but this article will provide a detailed context, covering key concepts, and offering solutions.

The Issue

Users have reported that messages created automatically in Outlook 2019 on Windows 10 have broken subjects, often containing specific version numbers. These messages are not visibly different from regular emails, but their subjects can cause confusion and make it difficult to manage emails effectively.

Cause

The exact cause of this issue is not yet clear. However, it is believed that this might be related to an interaction between Outlook and Windows 10 updates.

Solutions

Method 1: Manually Editing the Message Subject

The simplest solution is to manually edit the message subject. To do this:

1. Open the problematic email in Outlook.
2. Click on the "Subject" field to edit it.
3. Remove or modify the version number in the subject.
4. Save the changes.

This method is effective for individual emails. However, it can be time-consuming if you have multiple emails with the same issue.

Method 2: Disabling Automatic Replies

Another solution is to disable automatic replies (out-of-office messages) in Outlook. To do this:

1. Click on "File" in the Outlook ribbon.
2. Select "Info" and then "Automatic Replies (Out of Office)".
3. Click on "Automatic Replies" and then select "Off" for both "Inside your organization" and "Outside your organization".

This method can prevent new emails with broken subjects from being created. However, it may not be practical for users who rely on automatic replies for managing their emails.

Method 3: Updating Outlook and Windows 10

It is also recommended to ensure that both Outlook and Windows 10 are up-to-date. To check for updates:

1. Click on "Start" and select "Settings".
2. Click on "Update & Security" and then "Windows Update" or "Check for updates".
3. Install any available updates.

To check for Outlook updates:

1. Click on "File" in the Outlook ribbon.
2. Select "Account settings" and then "Account settings" again.
3. Click on the email account and then "Change".
4. Click on "More Settings" and then "Update Options".
5. Click on "Update Now".

Summary

In summary, users of Outlook 2019 on Windows 10 who are experiencing broken message subjects containing specific version numbers can try manually editing the message subject, disabling automatic replies, or updating both Outlook and Windows 10. These methods can help resolve the issue and improve the email management experience.