AT&T Message Archiving Frequently Asked Questions
What internet browser should I use to access AT&T Message Archiving?
Currently the system supports the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer 10 & 11.
Why did the system send me an activation code?
This is a safety procedure referred to as “Multifactor Authentication”. This feature is an additional way to verify identity and ensure the security of each account. The first time you log in from a new device, an email containing a code is sent to the email address on file for you. Enter this code in the box requesting it on the log in screen to verify that you should have access to this account. Select the “Remember Me” check box if this is a computer on which you will log in regularly.
What are the password requirements?
A password must meet these 5 criteria:
- At least 8 characters long
- At least one uppercase letter
- At least one lowercase letter
- At least one number
- At least one special character (%, $,#,!, etc).
How do I know that a message has an attachment?
Messages with images/files attached have a paperclip icon in the upper right hand corner. Select the message in the search results to see the image or file.
What kind of search logic is used between fields?
When entering more than one entry into the same field, AND logic is used. Therefore, entering two phone numbers in the search field would search for messages only including both of those numbers.
Between fields, OR logic is used: if a search is created for a keyword and a phone number, results that feature either the searched phone number OR the keyword will be provided.
Note: One exception is when using the check box for “Has Image/File” which is AND logic – so a search for a phone number with the “Has Image/File” option checked will return results that have the phone number AND an image/file attached.
My export file will not extract. Do I need additional software?
The exported data files will be encrypted with 256 bit AES encryption, which is not recognized by Windows’ default file extractor. A third party application such as WinZip, WinRAR, or 7-Zip, is required to view the exported data.
What do the different file type options mean?
When exporting a message you have several options for file type:
EML: This is a file type corresponding to the MIME RFC 822 standard format. It is used by Microsoft Outlook Express along with some other email programs.
PST: Stands for Personal Storage Table. This is a Microsoft proprietary file type used within Microsoft software.
NSF: Stands for Notes Storage Facility. This file type is used with IBM Notes (formerly Lotus Notes) and IBM Domino (formerly Lotus Domino).
Native: This file type maintains the original file structure inserted into the archive. Most exports will use this file type unless another type is specifically needed.
How often is data sent to the archive?
Data is sent to the archive every 10 minutes.
How long is data kept in the archive?
Retention periods are set up as part of the original set up of each account. If no retention period is set, data will be kept in the archive indefinitely until a retention period is created.
What time zone is used for message timestamps?
Message timestamps display in the user’s local computer time.
What is the message ID?
Each message that is inserted into the archive has a message ID assigned to it. This message ID is a unique identifier for that specific message. The message ID is used to locate and identify individual messages in the archive without having to run a search. This will mostly be used for troubleshooting and diagnostic purposes.
How often are messages sent to the archive?
Messages are sent to the archive every 10 minutes. If the message was sent within the last 10 minutes, the user will need to wait for at least that long before searching.
