Windows Live Mail Won't Open Saved .eml Files in Windows 8

Anonymous
2013-07-17T06:07:00+00:00

Running on Windows 8 with Windows Live Mail.  If you save an email to a file it is saved with an .eml file extension.  These files can then be saved anywhere (i.e. your desktop).

Then when double clicking the file the mail client (Windows Live Mail) would open with the email in the Inbox.  Old Outlook clients worked the same way.  I've had this working AOK with Windows 7 for some time.

With the same scenario under Windows 8 the Windows Live Mail client opens but the email is no where to be found.

The file association is AOK:  .eml = Windows Live Mail  (from File "Set Associations" screen).

Even just saving the email to a file from the client (Windows Live Mail) and then immediately trying to select it again does not work (after deleting the original email from the client).

Windows for home | Other | Email and communications

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Anonymous
2013-07-17T11:54:16+00:00

 Then when double clicking the file the mail client (Windows Live Mail) would open with the email in the Inbox.  Old Outlook clients worked the same way.  I've had this working AOK with Windows 7 for some time.

 

With the same scenario under Windows 8 the Windows Live Mail client opens but the email is no where to be found.

 

The file association is AOK:  .eml = Windows Live Mail  (from File "Set Associations" screen).

 

Even just saving the email to a file from the client (Windows Live Mail) and then immediately trying to select it again does not work (after deleting the original email from the client).

Double clicking the file will open the file.  It will not be in the Inbox.

Windows Live Mail will be partially running.  Access to Windows Live Mail will require starting Windows Live Mail with the shortcut.

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Anonymous
2013-07-28T20:21:18+00:00

I've no idea of the significance of the hash key. I'm fairly sure you don't need it, and it will be entered automatically by the program that does need it when necessary. 

Right-click on the .eml key that's causing problems and select Permissions. Use the Advanced options to give your user account full control of the key. Then try changing the Progid again. If you're still barred, use the advanced options to take ownership of the key.

Ensure also that WindowsLiveMail.Email.1 is listed under OpenWithProgids (with zero-value binary data).

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-07-18T22:12:33+00:00

    Hi Denise,

    No error messages.

    It occurs on any saved emails that were saved to a file (with the .eml extension).

    I tried the initial troubleshooting step, but it had no effect.  After repair/reinstalling I still cannot open any saved email files.

    The operating system is fully updated.

    Jess

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-07-18T17:00:28+00:00

    Hi JAO_9999,

    I understand that you're unable to open your saved EML file. I also know how inconvenient this must be on your end. Don't worry, let us help you with this.

    We would need you to verify some information first so we can properly address the issue. Please confirm the following:

    • Are you getting any error message?

    • Does this only occur with one email?

    • Are you able to open this email using a web browser?

    As our initial troubleshooting step, I recommend you to update your Windows Operating System and then repair your Windows Live Mail. To repair your Windows Live Mail, here are the steps:

    1.     Click Start button (Circle button with a Windows logo it).

    2.     Click Control Panel.

    3.     Click Programs.

    4.     Click Programs and Features.

    5.     Search for Windows Essentials 2012 then double click it.

    6.     Click Repair all Windows Live programs.

    Please let us know if the issue persists.


    Thanks!

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-07-17T15:23:41+00:00

    Thanks for the input.  However double clicking does not open the .eml file.  Windows Live Mail opens, but that's all.

    I even tried just saving an incoming email to a file on the desktop (with the default .eml extension), and then reopening it from the desktop with the same result (Window Live Mail opens but not the original email).

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