How to Resolve ‘Cannot Open EML File on Windows 7’ Error?
EML files are used to store email messages on a computer or laptop. To store email content, desktop-based email applications such as Thunderbird, Lotus Notes, Postbox, and Windows Live Mail use this sort of file. Apart from these applications, individuals preserve Gmail emails in.eml format on their PCs for professional use.
Sometimes, a situation arises in which officials want access to EML material but are now able to open the file on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10. In such circumstances, people look for a solution to the ‘unable to open EML file’ problem. As a result, we’ve published today’s article to assist users who are experiencing this issue.
Independent and Fast Solution – In order to fix the problem without Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, and other email programs, the best option is to pick FileViewers EML File Reader. It is a 100% free-of-cost and standalone application available for customers. They can use it to open, view, and search content within EML files along with attachments on Windows OS.
Manual Solutions to Fix ‘Not Able to Open EML File’
We’ve covered all manual methods for accessing EML files through Outlook 2007, Thunderbird, and Windows Live Mail in this article. Therefore, if you wish to view.eml content in any of the email apps listed above, continue reading. Otherwise, the safest and most time-efficient option is to utilize a free EML file viewer.
#1 : Open EML Files in Microsoft Outlook 2007
Activate hotfix in Microsoft Outlook program, if you cannot open EML file. This enables opening of EML files through Outlook mail app. Implement the following steps for activation of hotfix on your system :
- If opened, close all application on your computer.
- Click on Start button and execute regedit command in Run window. Hit on Yes to continue further.
- This launches a registry editor panel where you have to navigate according to the provided subkeys :

- Right-click on the (Default) open and from the listed menu, tap on Modify option.
- Again a window launches where you have to type %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office12\OUTLOOK.EXE/eml “%1” and then, press Enter key.
- Close current Registry Editor window by clicking on File >> Exit.
- Launch Command Prompt panel on your system and execute following command statement :

- Once all the above seven steps gets finished, check whether not able to open EML files problem is resolved or not.
#2 : Use Thunderbird to Open & View EML Files
If you have Mozilla Thunderbird email program on your system, refer following listed steps to resolved ‘cannot open EML files on Windows’ issue :
- Create a folder on your system and store all EML files in it.
- From the official website of Thunderbird, download and install a free add-on named as ImportExportTools
- When installation gets completed, please restart Mozilla Thunderbird program.
- Continue with the procedure of fixing ‘cannot open EML file’ problem, by clicking on Tools >> ImportExportTools >> Import EML Files.
- A window appears where you have to locate the location at which folder has been saved. This folder will be the one that you had created in Step (1).
- Add this folder and then, view EML email content via Thunderbird add-on.
#3 : Read EML Content in Windows Live Mail
‘cannot open .eml file in Windows Live mail’ – Computer users raise this question because they are unaware of a proper technique to open orphaned EML files in WLM. Therefore, they need to take help from following instructions to troubleshoot ‘unable to open EML files on Windows 7’ :
- Launch Windows Live Mail Viewer on your PC and click on File >> Import Messages
- A Windows Live Mail Import wizard appears where you have to click on Windows Live Mail option. Hit on Next to proceed further.
- Hit on Browse to navigate towards the location where EML files or a folder of multiple EML files is saved. Click on it and then, load it on the recent panel.
- Again, you need to tap on Next button to command WLM for the extraction of chosen folder. After a while, a process completion messages appears where you have to click on Finish so as to terminate recent panel.
Please Note – This solution is available only for Windows 7 users because Windows Live Mail is available only on this operating system.
Its Time for Conclusion
All viable solutions to the ‘not able to open EML file’ issue have been thoroughly described in today’s post. However, the investigating team does not need to fear if they do not have Windows Live Mail / Thunderbird / Outlook. They may make use of a free EML file reader that is specifically designed to open, examine, and analyse EML emails in the absence of an accompanying email application.
People will not encounter any adds or face any interruption while using this utility. They can click on ‘Download Now’ button (given in this blog page) to achieve original and virus-free file of the freeware. Through this, one will be able to troubleshoot cannot open .eml file independently without facing any platform / program dependency issues.
