Unable to Open EML File Attachments in Outlook: Expert solution

EML File is an essential file type of various email clients like Microsoft Outlook Express, Thunderbird etc. but, it is not supported by Outlook 2016 / 2013 / 2010 / 2007 / 2003. Let us take a look at the query of a user who is unable to open EML file attachments in Outlook. 

“I had received an EML attachment file in my Outlook 2007 account. When I tried to open it, it opened in EML supportive clients like Outlook Express but, not in Outlook. Even though its completely normal since Outlook does not support EML file format. I wanted to know if I can  view EML file in Outlook? If yes, then how?”

Are you also going through the same dilemma? Well, here you will find all the answers when you cannot open EML file in Outlook. 

How to open EML File in Outlook 2007 Windows 7

Broadly classifying, there are two methods to view EML file attachments in Outlook.

 These are:

         1. Manual method

         2. Automated method

In the manual method, a user needs to perform all the steps manually whereas, in the automated method, all the steps are performed with the help of software. 

Let us go through them in detail.

Manual method: Edit Registry

The manual method is edit registry when a user is unable to open EML file attachments in Outlook 2007. To use this technique, make sure that you are using Outlook 2007, Windows 7 64-bit Operating System and Windows Live Mail is installed in your system. 

The steps to read EML file in Outlook are explained as follows:

1. Press Windows key+R to open Run command

2. Type regedit to open registry editor. 

3. Select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE >> Software >> Classes >> Microsoft Internet Mail Message WLMail >> shell >> open >> command

4. In the command line, here it is written:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Mail\wlmail.exe" /EML:%1 

5. Change the stated line to:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\Outlook.EXE" /EML "%1"

In this method, you have defrauded the registry. Microsoft Windows still believes that the Windows Live Mail is the default application to open EML file attachments. But, you have changed the path in registry due to which instead of opening Windows Live Mail, it opens outlook.exe. In other words, if you open Control Panel and select default programs, it will show Windows Live Mail is associated with EML files but, Outlook will open instead. 

Limitations of Manual Process to Read EML Files in Outlook 2007

There are many drawbacks associated with the manual method. Some of them are listed below: 

      1. A user needs to have deep technical knowledge regarding EML file, Outlook and computer system. 

      2 .Even a minor mistake while executing the process can result in loss of data.

      3. Many steps are involved thus, making it a lengthy and time-consuming process.

      Due to all these limitations, manual approach to view EML File in Outlook is not considered the right approach. An alternative to the solution is to use automated tool. 

Automated solution

An automated utility is done with the help of third party tool like SysTools EML Viewer. According to the experts, it is the master solution to read EML file attachments in Outlook 2016 / 2013 / 2010 / 2007 / 2003. Also, if users need to export multiple EML files attachments to Outlook, they can use another software like  EML to PST Converter. 

Conclusion

An email can consist of text files and attachments. Simple attachments can be opened with any email client but, to view attachments of the EML file in Outlook is somewhat a difficult task. A user can view EML file attachments without Outlook if, he has other email clients. But to read EML File in Outlook, a user can go with the manual method or automated utility. 

In manual solution, users need to trick the registry editor. So, Windows OS thinks file is being opened from Windows Live Mail. But, in actual, the file is in Outlook. The technique requires steps to be performed manually, hence it is not considered as an ideal method. An alternative solution when a user is unable to open EML file attachments in Outlook is to use third party tool. The software like EML Viewer helps to preview EML file attachments very effectively. For bulk importing of EML file in Outlook, a user can do with SysTools EML to PST Converter.