Windows 7 - Unable to open .eml files in IE8

Hi! first post, looking for help

Relatively fresh install Win 7 Pro 64bit

Thunderbird is default email programme

I use an outliner/PIM which uses IE to display saved files in it's viewer pane. It had a problem showing saved emails in .eml format.

I then tried to open the emails directly with IE 32 & 64 bits - without success.

What happens is:
a donwload progress-window opens, and, in front of that, a download dialogue asking do I want to open or save or cancel.

I thought I was being smart when I deselected "Always ask for this filetype" but then it opens the file in Thunderbird, the default handler.

But I want it to open in IE - why does the download dialogue open at all? I'm trying to use IE to open it:
this happens if I try to open a locally saved file via the context menu "open with" or if I try to open from within IE.

Some security setting maybe? This used work in XP IE8 so presume it should work here.
I presume I could make IE the default handler for eml but dont want to mess with Thunderbird either....

Thanks in advance
Tom

Hi tomosk, welcome to 7F

Try:

Open IE8. Go to Tools on the menu bar >Options >Programs tab.

At the bottom you will see Internet Programs, and a button for Change programs, click on the button.

The Default Program window will open, click on second choice down, Associate file type or protocol with a program.

Scroll down, and click on .eml . Then to the upper right click on Change program button.

In the Open with dialogue box you will see the recommended program Windows Live Mail, and Other programs, click on the down arrow to the right of Other programs to see more choices.

When you find IE click on it, then OK your way out.

Close then re-open IE to make sure setting takes affect. Check to see if you can now open .eml's in IE8.

Hi Anak,
thanks for the suggestion (and the welcome!).

Unfortunately that doesnt change anything within IE - it still attempts to download, and will not open the file.
I'm able to open e.g. PDF files, mht files, text files, without problem in IE so the problem seems to be only with .eml files.

PS Thunderbird was the default handler (it is my email programme).
Tom

What is this outliner/PIM you are using? Does it have any conversion capability?


You might try changing the file association through an Administrator CMD line:
Elevated Command Prompt
IE8 should open .eml's when they are associated with .mht's
See reply #3:
Eml Files | TheDailyReviewer

For guidelines on associations:
Managing Files from the Command Line- Assoc and Ftype
And:
Windows 7 Command Line List and Reference

This shows how to associate, but we already know it does not work through a Graphical User Interface (GUI):
Default Programs - Associate a File Type or Protocol
Tutorial to un-associate file types, includes helpful batch file:
File Extension Type - Unassociate


There are pay-for add-ons, but I have not found a free one yet.
Here is one example: Email Viewer add-in for IE. View .msg .eml files in Internet Explorer.


Until we find a solution you may just have to get used to T-Bird opening up over top of IE8 to view those .eml's .

If everything were written in html then everything would open in IE. It's a browser, not a PC.

hmm not sure what to say - As far as I know it should work - it worked fine for me under XP.

I'm happy enough having Thunderbird opening them but, you probably know the way - I'd like the *$§% thing to work 'properly'

I mean, even setting IE as default handler would be a workaround (IMO)...

I have reported it to the outliner developer (InfoQube) - it's still in Beta, I think he plans to change the viewer to use something else eventually so it's no big deal really.

Thanks for all the links Anak, have read & bookmarked.
The forum here is great for someone moving to 7 I've already gotten a few tips here :thumbsup