Electronic messaging backup catalog

Within an electronic messaging system, a method of backing up data can include storing attributes for a plurality of message attachments exchanged through the electronic messaging system. Responsive to a request for a message attachment from a requestor, the request can be compared with attributes of the plurality of message attachments to select at least one message attachment matching the request. The method further can include determining whether the requested message attachment is available within the electronic messaging system and performing a programmatic action according to at least the determining step.