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
    2013-07-25T00:51:00+00:00

    Thanks Ron for the detailed follow up. 

    It is very much appreciated, as is you time I know you've spent on this one.

    I followed your instructions to the letter, and after removing both Norton 360 and System mechanic and uninstalling and reinstalling Windows Live Mail (with plenty of system reboots) exactly like you did my system still just opens Windows Live Mail and not the .eml file as before when clicking on the individual .eml file. 

    My registry entries now match yours though, so it appears that it must be something else machine related.

    Not sure what way to jump at this point on this one.  I really thought your and Firedog's thoughts on removing Norton 360 and System Mechanic were the culprit as well (at least one of them).

    This is a new Dell Inspiron 3520 Windows 8 system that I just bought last December and I've made no OS changes to it.

    Jess

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-07-25T03:08:40+00:00

    Did you download and use the Norton Removal tool?

    One of the problems with Norton is that it insist on scanning .eml files.  When you want to open an .eml file, Norton will scan the file before passing it to Windows Live Mail.  I suspect that a remnant of Norton is not releasing the .eml file.

    At least the Windows Live Mail Registry keys are correct.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-07-25T18:15:43+00:00

    Hi Ron,

    Same result after removing Norton 360 with the Norton 360 Removal tool downloaded from the Norton web site.

    Windows Live Mail opens up, but the underlying .eml file clicked on does not.

    Registry entries are still AOK, as before,.

    Jess

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