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
    2015-10-13T18:07:36+00:00

    One solution that has worked for me is Open WLM, and then drag the .eml file to him (for example having selected the input folder).

    After do that, all registry keys referred in this article were automatically generated correctly and now I can open an .eml file double-clicking it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-07-27T15:55:31+00:00

    I have experienced the same problem as JAO and have followed all your advice on this post - and I too have solved my problem - no doubt due to carrying out a recent Registry clean up using System Mechanic (now banished to goodness knows where!!

    All I needed to add to the .eml key was "WindowsLiveMail.Email.1" instead of "Applications\wlmail.exe" - simple really - in the end!

    Many thanks for your brilliant and tenacious help - much appreciated

    G

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-04-14T15:43:54+00:00

    Hi I was having the same problem opening saved .eml files and your suggestion worked perfectly. My save .eml files open with the associated Live Mail program now. Thanks for the Hellp!

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