Problem with Mime::lite and .doc files

Anonymous Monk has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

I'm trying to write a test script that will send a .doc file using the mime::lite. I had it working with a text file, but when I try with a .doc file, nothing happens. This is my code:

$msg = MIME::Lite->new(
       From    =>'...@myhost.com',
       To      =>'edja...@quirkyjapan.or.tv',
       Subject =>'A message with 2 parts...',
       Type    =>'multipart/mixed');
    ### Add parts (each "attach" has same arguments as "new"):
$msg->attach(Type     =>'BINARY',
             Data     =>"Here's the GIF file you wanted");
$msg->attach(Type     =>'application/msword',
             Path     =>'test.doc');
    $text = $msg->as_string;
    $msg->send;
print "done";
[download]

I assume the mistake is in this line: $msg->attach(Type =>'application/msword', Thanks in advance.

Comment on Problem with Mime::lite and .doc files Download Code

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Re: Problem with Mime::lite and .doc files by pKai (Priest) on May 19, 2007 at 16:33 UTC
The `Type` is only a hint to the receiving MUA. You can specify `foo/bar` and everything is fine, as long as the receiver knows what to do with objects of that type. You didn't specify your error symptoms beyond (…nothing happens…), but I would guess your MUA does not show you the generated "`inline`" Word document, which is an understandable decision. You might try to attach the document by `$msg->attach(Type =>'application/msword', Path =>'test.doc', Disposition => 'attachment', );` [download] instead. At least the generated mail looks good to my eyes. Though it is a bit weird to send the main text base64-coded (i. e. `BINARY`). I would rather use `Type => 'TEXT'` there.	[reply] [d/l] [select]
Re: Problem with Mime::lite and .doc files by marto (Cardinal) on May 19, 2007 at 16:15 UTC
The documentation for this module is very good IMHO. Try something like: `#!/usr/bin/perl use strict; use warnings; use MIME::Lite; my $msg = MIME::Lite->new( From => 'sender@host.com', To => 'recipient@host.com', Subject => 'Word document attached', Type => 'multipart/mixed'); $msg->attach(Type =>'TEXT', Data => "Here's the Word document you wanted" ); $msg->attach(Type => 'application/msword', Path => 'test.doc'); $msg->send; print "done";` [download] I don't have Word installed, I tested this by sending it to my Gmail account which allowed me to open the word document in google docs. Your code has a variable `$text` which you don't seem to be doing anything with (in the code provided at least). Adding `use strict;` and `use warnings;` is always a good idea when you are having problems with your code. Check out PerlMonks FAQ if you have not already done so. If the code above results in any error messages post a reply letting us know what they are and someone will try to help you. Hope this helps Martin	[reply] [d/l] [select]
Re: Problem with Mime::lite and .doc files by wjw (Priest) on May 19, 2007 at 16:08 UTC
After checking the docs for MIME::Lite which pointed to RFC-2046 (google search), it seems the suggested type might be application/octet-stream. Check out -> RFC-2046 which was pointed at by This. I did not dig into this much and assume you can get further details on your own. Good luck! :-) ...the majority is always wrong, and always the last to know about it... The Spice must flow... ..by my will, and by will alone.. I set my mind in motion	[reply]


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