How do I send an email as an attachment?

On occasion, you may be requested to forward an original email message as an attachment. Please follow the appropriate steps below to do so.

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Windows - Microsoft Outlook desktop app

Option 1: Adding an email as an attachment via menu button (new email only)

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook.

  2. Select the appropriate email message.

  3. With the message selected, click More in the Respond section of the menu ribbon at the top, then click Forward as attachment. This will open a new email with the appropriate message added as an attachment.

  4. The email can now be sent to the desired address. 

Option 2: Adding an email as an attachment via drag and drop (new email or reply to existing email)

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook

  2. Compose a new email or start a reply to an existing email. If Outlook opened a new window, you will need to re-size both windows so that you can see them side by side.

  3. Navigate to the email you are wanting to send as an attachment using the navigation pane on the left (in the main Outlook window), but don't select it.

  4. Click on the email in the navigation pane, then drag and drop it into the reply pane on the right or into the new email/reply window. Note that Outlook may switch focus away from the reply pane, just select the reply email again and you should see the attachment added.

  5. The email should now be added as an attachment. If you're replying to a ticket notification, leave the reply-to field as it is.

macOS - Microsoft Outlook desktop app

Option 1: Adding an email as an attachment via menu button (new email only)

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook.

  2. Select the appropriate email message.

  3. With the message selected, click Attachment in the menu ribbon at the top. This will open a new email with the appropriate message added as an attachment. Alternatively, you can right-click on the message, then click Forward As Attachment.

  4. The email can now be sent to the desired email address. 

Option 2: Adding an email as an attachment via drag and drop (new email or reply to existing email)

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook

  2. Compose a new email or start a reply to an existing email. If Outlook opened a new window, you will need to re-size both windows so that you can see them side by side.

  3. Navigate to the email in need of review in the navigation pane on the left, but don't select it.

  4. Click on the email in the navigation pane, then drag and drop it into the new email/reply pane on the right.

  5. The email should now be added as an attachment and can be sent. If you're replying to a ticket notification, leave the reply-to field as it is.

Outlook on the web

  1. Go to outlook.office.com and sign in with your VIU email and password.

  2. Compose a new email or start a reply to an existing email.

  3. Navigate to the email in need of review in the navigation pane on the left, but don't select it.

  4. Click on the email in the navigation pane, then drag and drop it into the new email/reply pane on the right or into the new email/reply window. Note that Outlook may switch focus away from the reply pane, just select the reply email again and you should see the attachment added.

  5. The email should now be added as an attachment and can be sent in for review. Please include your ticket number if you created a new email and send it to ithelp@viu.ca. If you're replying to a ticket notification, leave the reply-to field as it is and there is no need to include your ticket number.

If you have any issues forwarding an email as an attachment or need additional assistance, please Contact IT.

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