I cannot open a EML file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with EML files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening EML will be resolved!
EML File Extension
- File type E-Mail Message
- File developer Microsoft
- File category Text Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) EML file?
The EML format is used for saving e-mail messages in one of the e-mail programs, eg Outlook. EML files contain all its elements, incl. text, subject, recipient and sender names, and attachments. They can be imported into other e-mail programs or opened with Notepad, as they are formatted as text.
How to open EML file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with EML extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports EML files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open EML files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support EML files
Step 2. Verify whether EML files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports EML files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with EML files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support EML files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open EML files with the selected program.
Changing EML file association in registry
File association for EML files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check EML file for other errors
- EML file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening EML files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected EML file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For EML files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
