How to Associate EML Files and Attachments with Windows Mail or Outlook Express?

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Opening email attachments is typically straightforward; a simple double-click allows you to view documents, images, zip files, audio, or videos in a new window. Issues arise when these attachments trigger random errors or open in incompatible applications.

If you encounter such errors, avoid deleting the email. Instead, consider reassociating the EML file with Outlook Express. The following method outlines the straightforward process to achieve this for both Outlook Express and Windows Live Mail.

Associate .EML Files and Attachments with Windows Mail

To make .eml files and attachments open in Windows Mail:

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Type default programs in the Search field of the Start menu
3. Click Default Programs
4. Follow the Associate a file type or protocol with a program link.
5. Highlight .eml in the list.
6. Click Change Program
7. Select Windows Mail
   • If Windows Mail is not in the Recommended Programs list, click Browse, type “winmail.exe” under File name
   • Click Open
8. Click OK.
9. Click Close.

Alternatively, there’s another method to associate EML files and attachments in Windows Mail, but note that this approach will also set Windows Mail as your default program for composing emails. So, if your sole intention is to associate .eml files with Windows Mail, avoid using this method.

1. Select Tools and then Options from the menu in the Windows Mail
2. Select the General tab
3. Click Make Default under This application is NOT the default Mail handler

Associate .EML Files and Attachments with Outlook Express

To make sure .eml files and attachments open in Outlook Express:

• Open Start menu.
• Select Run from the Start menu
• Type “msimn /reg” in the Open drop down
• Click OK

These steps enable you to effortlessly open and access EML files in Outlook Express or Windows Mail. If you’re looking to recover Outlook Express emails, ensure you have the necessary DBX files. For efficient outlook express recovery, consider using Kernel for Outlook Express, a top-notch tool to repair DBX files and retrieve your emails.