RGE File – What is .rge file and how to open it?

RGE File Format

A file with the .RGE extension is an Entourage File Archive created using Microsoft Entourage, a discontinued personal information management (PIM) application for Mac OS. Similar to a ZIP file, an RGE file bundles various types of files, such as emails, contacts, calendar events, and notes, into a single compressed archive. It enables users to easily manage and share large collections of data. RGE files are typically used for backup purposes or when transferring data between different computers.

Microsoft Entourage was discontinued in 2011 and replaced by Outlook for Mac. As a result, RGE files may not be compatible with newer versions of Outlook. However, third-party software, such as RGE Extractor, is available to extract and view the contents of RGE files. Additionally, some email clients, such as Thunderbird, support importing RGE files, allowing users to access and manage their archived data within a different email application.

Opening RGE Files in Microsoft Outlook

RGE files are associated with Microsoft Entourage, an email and personal information management software that preceded Microsoft Outlook for Mac. They contain an archive of emails, contacts, calendars, and other data from Entourage. To open an RGE file in Outlook, follow these steps:

1. Convert the RGE file to an OLM file: Use the “Import” function in Outlook to convert the RGE file to an OLM file, which is compatible with Outlook. The import process may take some time, depending on the size of the RGE file.
2. Import the OLM file into Outlook: Once the RGE file has been converted to OLM, you can import it into Outlook by using the “Import” function again. Select the “Outlook Data File (.olm)” option and browse to the location of the OLM file.
3. Choose the items to import: You will be prompted to choose which items from the OLM file you want to import. Select the appropriate options and click “Finish” to complete the import process.

Alternative Methods for RGE File Conversion

If you do not have access to Microsoft Outlook, there are alternative methods you can use to open RGE files:

• Use a third-party file converter: There are several online and offline file converters that can convert RGE files to more accessible formats, such as PST, EML, or PDF. You can upload your RGE file to the converter’s website or use the software application on your computer.
• Extract the contents manually: RGE files are essentially ZIP archives. You can use a file archiver tool, such as 7-Zip or WinRAR, to extract the individual files and folders from the RGE file. This method allows you to access the specific items you need without converting the entire file.

Overview of Entourage Files

The RGE file extension denotes an Entourage File Archive, which holds various elements of Microsoft’s discontinued email client, Entourage. This comprehensive archive encompasses messages, contacts, calendars, tasks, and notes, all organized into discrete files based on their type. RGE files serve as backups or portable archives, enabling users to transfer or store their Entourage data securely. By extracting the contents of an RGE archive, users can restore their email accounts, contacts, and other mail-related information in a new installation of Entourage or a different email application.

Compatibility and Usage

RGE files are primarily associated with Entourage, a popular email client released by Microsoft in 2001. However, its support was eventually discontinued in 2018, leaving Outlook as the primary email solution for Mac users. As a result, the use of RGE files has declined significantly. Nevertheless, RGE archives can still be accessed and extracted using specialized software or utilities designed for this purpose. These tools allow users to explore the contents of RGE files and retrieve specific messages, contacts, or other data.

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