Impossible to delete eml files

petitpetitpetit Posted messages 4 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   -  
 pitou -
Hello,
I am using Windows 7 and I have a problem related to the eml extension of the emails I saved on my hard drive from Windows Live Mail.
In Windows Explorer, it is impossible to delete these files from my hard drive (the Delete command is not offered). However, there is no issue deleting them in the DOS window and in administrator mode.
What is the cause? Does the eml extension impose "system" rights by default enforced by Microsoft?
If this is the case, can this setting be modified?
Configuration: Windows 7 Firefox 3.5.7

6 answers

  1. petitpetit
     
    My Windows 7 Professional 2009 32-bit SP1 "protects" the eml files saved on the hard drive, but I don't know why. I found three tricks to be able to move/delete these files:

    1) Use the Command Prompt (but it's a hassle):
    Start, Accessories, Run, Type "cmd" in the Open window. Then type the correct command such as "del c:\path\file" and then exit (by "exit").

    2) Remove the file properties (better)
    Computer, right-click on the file, Properties, Details (the file then appears with the attribute A for archive), Remove properties and personal information, Remove the following properties from this file, OK, OK, then you can move/delete the file.

    3) Remove the file properties (faster)
    Computer, Select the file, Organize, Remove properties, Remove the following properties from this file (which appears with the attribute A for archive), OK, then you can move/delete the file.
    4
    1. pitou
       
      The second one worked.
      0
  2. Fern.
     
    For a few months, I've had Windows 7 and I've kept Outlook Express. I can't delete the eml files. Furthermore, when I want to save a document, whether it's pps or others, the files automatically turn into eml.
    I hate this system.
    Please reply by email.
    2
    1. TRI Yann 33
       
      De TRI YANN Hello
      Response Non-removable and non-movable .eml files
      Email files with the .eml extension cannot be deleted or moved once renamed or relocated to a folder. To work around this issue, you must follow the following illogical procedure
      Go to the Windows start menu / computers and locate the folder or file in question, then you will find the option to delete or move the files with a left click in the menu
      Best regards to all
      0
    2. chris77
       
      thank you ... it works! :-))
      0
    3. kb
       
      You're welcome!!!!
      0
  3. digya
     
    Well, I found the solution.
    By using the DOS commands, it works. So it's definitely one of the additional layers put in place by WinDoze that "protects" these files.
    1
    1. soizic
       
      Good evening,
      I have the same problem that I solved thanks to another forum: you just need to find the EML files at C:\Users\your name\Documents.
      There you can find the delete or rename function in the context menu.
      0
    2. digya
       
      Hello,

      Um, that's elementary! In my case, impossible. They weren't in "my documents" but in another directory, and it was impossible to delete them (option not present in the context menu) even after renaming them. It was even impossible to delete them by opening them in an email client (option not available). I tried both of my email clients.
      I tried to move them: they copied themselves, and I ended up with two undeletable files instead of one.
      Only DOS allowed me to perform the deletion, as the protection of these files is ensured by Windows' software "overlay."

      Digya.
      0
  4. digya
     
    Hello,

    Same problem: I can no longer get rid of the emails I saved when I don't need them anymore.
    The association with another software doesn't change anything; it's probably the .eml extension that is causing the file protection. The best part is that even opening them in Thunderbird doesn't allow us to delete them...
    If anyone has a solution, I'm all ears ::grin::
    0
  5. kal
     
    Hello, I have the same problem. What is the back????
    Thank you for your response.
    0