How to Retrieve Data from a Corrupted EML File?

Read time 5 minutes

The EML format is essentially a file type that saves each email or message as a distinct file. These EML files are, in essence, text files in MIME format that can even be opened in Notepad. They are compatible with a diverse range of email servers, applications, and clients, such as GroupWise, Lotus Notes, Outlook Express, Postbox, Windows Mail, Mozilla, and Thunderbird. Additionally, EML messages can be accessed in Exchange’s Outlook Web Access, as well as in Internet Explorer, by modifying the extension to .mht.

If you are working with Windows Mail, you can find your EML files at:

And if you are among Windows Live Mail Users, look for your EML files at:

These locations may vary for different users based on their saving preferences.

Common Issues With EML Files

EML files can become corrupted for various reasons, including virus attacks, shutdown mishaps, system failures, or incomplete installations. On a Windows-based system, you might come across some of the typical EML errors, which include:

• EML not found
• Cannot register EML
• EML access violation

Following encounters with accessibility problems, it becomes imperative to promptly address the issue at hand. Essentially, there are two viable approaches to rectify corrupted EML files effectively: the Manual Solution and the User-Friendly Third-party Tool Solution. A number of experts advocate for third-party tools, given that they can be utilized by individuals lacking advanced technical expertise.

To retrieve the inaccessible EML file, utilize the System Restore feature in Windows. Follow these steps to successfully restore your EML data:

1. Start your system and login as Administrator (in case of multiple users)
2. Go to Start button and select Program and Accessories.
3. Further, go to System Tools and click the System Restore option.
4. In the restore options window, go with Restore my computer for an earlier time and click Next.
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.

If the manual method for EML data recovery proves unsuccessful, consider using third-party software. This approach offers a highly dependable solution for swiftly addressing EML corruption problems. Applications such as the Kernel for EML to PST Converter are designed to retrieve all your data intact, without any alterations. Here’s an overview of how it operates:

1. Launch the software. 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.
   
   Note 1: If you clicked the Find button, a Search EML Folder dialog box will appear on your screen. Click Browse to navigate to the folder containing the corrupt EML files.
   
   Select the source folder and click OK.
   
2. The right-hand side panel will show you all the EML files within the selected folder. Select the EML files you want to recover and click the Save button.
3. In the Conversion Options (Conversion Rule) window, define the rules to save specific data from your recovered EML files. The default setting, however, is set to Convert all items. If you do want to make any changes to save the data, let the setting remains unaltered and click Next.
4. Choose whether you want to save the recovered data to PST or MSG format. Also, Browse to provide the destination path to save the files.
5. The EML files are successfully saved in PST file format on the specified location. Click OK to finish the process.

The resultant PST can, thus, be imported to Outlook.

Summing Up

EML files are highly versatile and may require importing into Outlook at times. Ensure you select the appropriate approach (manual or automated) based on your technical proficiency level.