Embedding background images in an e-mail

Question

I'm trying to use an embedded image in an e-mail as the background image, i've got the following code to embed it:

        LinkedResource backgroundLink = new LinkedResource("..\\..\\background.gif");
        backgroundLink.ContentId = "BackgroundImage";
        backgroundLink.TransferEncoding = System.Net.Mime.TransferEncoding.Base64;
        htmlView.LinkedResources.Add(backgroundLink);
        m.AlternateViews.Add(htmlView);

Then in the e-mail body i've got the following code to test:

        <table background='cid:BackgroundImage'>
            <tr>
               <td>
                  test
               </td>
            </tr>
        </table>

It doesn't display, but when i put it in as an image like this is is fine:

         <table>
            <tr>
               <td>
                  <img src='cid:BackgroundImage' />
               </td>
            </tr>
        </table>

Does anyone one know why it won't display as a background?

Many thanks in advance :)

Answer 1

Do note that MS Outlook 2007, Live Hotmail etc do not support email content with background images of an sort, be it body, tables etc.

Check this before testing with your email client: http://www.campaignmonitor.com/css/