Is Message Header Analyzer (MHA) Not Working? Troubleshooting & Alternatives

If you're trying to analyze email headers in Outlook and finding the Message Header Analyzer (MHA) tool isn't working as expected, you're not alone. Many users have reported issues with MHA displaying blank or incomplete information. This article explores potential reasons why MHA might not be functioning correctly and provides alternative methods for analyzing email headers.

What is Message Header Analyzer (MHA)?

Message Header Analyzer (MHA) is a valuable tool used to decode email headers. Email headers contain crucial information about a message's journey, including the sender's IP address, routing details, and authentication results like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Analyzing these headers can help you:

• Identify Spam & Phishing: Examine the sender's origin and authentication records to spot fraudulent emails.
• Troubleshoot Email Delivery Issues: Understand why an email might have been delayed or failed to reach its destination.
• Verify Sender Authenticity: Confirm the email genuinely originated from the claimed sender.

Why is MHA Not Working? Possible Causes

Several factors could be contributing to MHA's malfunctioning:

• Service Outage: The tool itself might be experiencing technical difficulties or undergoing maintenance. While uncommon, occasional outages happen.
• Browser Compatibility Issues: Ensure you're using a compatible browser and that it's up-to-date. Outdated browsers can sometimes interfere with web-based tools.
• Outlook Updates: Changes to Outlook's structure or security protocols after an update can impact how MHA interacts with email headers.
• Header Format Changes: Rarely, changes in email header formats themselves can cause parsing problems for MHA.
• Temporary Glitch: Sometimes, simply clearing your browser's cache and cookies can resolve temporary glitches.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here's a methodical approach to try and resolve the issue:

1. Check Microsoft's Service Status: Look for any reported issues with Outlook or related services on the Microsoft Service Health portal.
2. Try a Different Browser: Switch to a different browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge) to see if the problem persists.
3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Clear your browser's cache and cookies. This can resolve conflicts caused by outdated data.
4. Update Your Browser: Make sure your browser is running the latest version.
5. Test with a Different Email: Check if MHA works on a different email. This helps determine if the issue is specific to one email's header format.

Alternative Message Header Analyzers

If MHA continues to be problematic, several alternative tools can effectively analyze email headers:

• Microsoft Message Header Analyzer: Microsoft offers its own analyzer tool which you can access online.
• MXToolbox Email Header Analyzer: A popular online tool that provides comprehensive header analysis. MXToolbox Email Header Analyzer
• Google Admin Toolbox Messageheader: Specifically designed for analyzing headers from Gmail and Google Workspace emails.
• Mailheader.org: A simple and straightforward online header analyzer. Mailheader.org

How to Use an Alternative Header Analyzer (Example: MXToolbox)

1. Copy the Email Header: In Outlook, open the email, go to File > Info > Properties. Look for "Internet headers" (or similar). Select all the text within that section and copy it to your clipboard (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C).
2. Paste into MXToolbox: Go to the MXToolbox Email Header Analyzer website (https://mxtoolbox.com/EmailHeaders.aspx).
3. Analyze: Paste the copied header into the text box and click the "Analyze Header" button. MXToolbox will then provide a detailed breakdown of the header information.

Key Header Information to Look For

When analyzing email headers, focus on these key aspects:

• Received Lines: These lines trace the email's path from sender to recipient. Look for unusual or suspicious servers.
• Authentication Results (SPF, DKIM, DMARC): These indicate whether the email's sender is authenticated. "Pass" results are desirable. "Fail" results may suggest a fraudulent email or misconfigured domain.
• Sender IP Address: The IP address of the sending server. You can use online IP lookup tools to identify the server's location and owner.
• Message-ID: A unique identifier for the email.

Conclusion

While the Message Header Analyzer (MHA) within Outlook is a useful tool, its occasional malfunctioning shouldn't prevent you from analyzing email headers. By understanding the potential causes of the problem and utilizing the troubleshooting steps and alternative tools mentioned above, you can continue to effectively examine email headers for security and troubleshooting purposes. Remember to prioritize reputable and secure online header analysis tools.