Read time 5 minutes
EML files can get corrupted when they exceed the maximum file size, malware attack, or due to damaged hardware. Read the article to learn about the methods to recover and repair corrupt EML files.
EML files are, in fact, text files (MIME format) that can be opened in Notepad too. This format is compatible with a variety of email servers and clients (including GroupWise, Lotus Notes, Outlook Express, Postbox, Windows Mail, Mozilla, and Thunderbird). To locate your EML files, visit the following location.
If you are working with Windows Mail, you can find your EML files at:
C:\Users\<your account>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Mail\Local Folders
And if you are among Windows Live Mail Users, look for your EML files at:
C:\Users\<userlogin>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live Mail
These locations may vary for different users based on their saving preferences.
During EML file corruption, you can face permanent data deletion, data inaccessibility, or missing attachments from emails.
Reasons Behind EML File Corruption
There are many scenarios in which your EML file can get corrupted. Here we have mentioned some of them:
- Virus and malware attack: Virus and malware attacks are the most common reason for EML file corruption. Even a single virus in your system can affect your EML files.
- Abrupt shutdown: Sudden or abrupt shutdown of the system results in system failure or crash, leading to corruption in EML files.
- File size issue: Sometimes, the EML files exceed the maximum size limit, which leads to corruption.
- Incomplete download: EML files can get corrupted due to unstable internet connectivity, browser issues, or any other reason when your EML is not properly downloaded.
What are the Methods to Repair Corrupt EML File?
There are few methods available to retrieve data from a corrupted EML file. Below we have mentioned a manual solution and a third-party tool to do so. Let’s have a look at the procedure to repair corrupt EML files:
Method A. Using System Restore Facility
You can use the System Restore facility of Windows to recover the inaccessible EML file. You need to proceed with the following steps to restore your EML data:
Step 1. Start your system and login as Administrator (in case of multiple users).
Step 2. Go to the Start button and select Program and Accessories.
Step 3. Further, go to System Tools and click the System Restore option.
Step 4. In the restore options window, go with Restore my computer for an earlier time and click Next.
Step 5. In the very next window that prompts, click on a restore point list, then hit Next to recover all your EML files along with every bit of data contained in them.
Method B. Using an Intermediate Email Client to Import
This method involves simple drag and drop of emails to an email client that often forces the recreation of the email header. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open any of the email clients (Thunderbird or Outlook) that support EML files.
Step 2: Create a new folder in your mailbox.
Step 3: Drag the corrupted EML files from your PC and drop them to this new folder.
If the process successfully rebuilds the header, it will allow you to access your damaged EML files
What if the File is Still Inaccessible?
This method can be used if the file is still not accessible to recover corrupted EML files. An EML to PST Converter may help recover your data and export it to formats PST and MSG or migrate it into Office 365, depending on the software.
Here is how it works:
Step 1. Download and install the Kernel EML to PST Converter.
Step 2. Launch the software to retrieve corrupt EML file.
Step 3. Use the Folder List panel from left pane or click the Find button to scan and locate the required EML files.
Note: Click Find to view the Search EML Folder dialog box. Click Browse to open the folder containing the corrupt EML files.
Step 4.Select the source folder and click OK.
Step 5. Select the EML files you want to recover and click the Save button.
Step 6. In the Conversion Options window, define the rules to save specific data from your recovered EML files. Click Next.
Step 7.Choose to save the recovered data to PST or MSG format or to Office 365. Click on Browse to provide the destination path to save the files.
Step 8. Locate your EML files manually through the Folder List panel or click the Find button to scan and locate the required EML files on your machine.
Conclusion
EML files are of high usability, and sometimes they get corrupted. The process to repair EML file corruption and recover data from these files is a bit complicated. However, with the above mentioned solutions, there are high chances of easily restoring access to your EML files.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. Common causes leading to EML file corruption includes virus intrusions, malware attacks, unstable internet connection, and incomplete import or export process.
A. EML files are based on MIME formats, which means these files are accessible even with the use of text editors like Notepad++.
A. This can be due to several reasons, such as:
1) Using an old or outdated version of Outlook.
2) Outlook blocks reading messages as sent from an unknown sender.
3) Corruption in the EML file often makes it unreadable.
