Frequently asked questions

When I buy this software, will the Powered by eMill information still appear at the bottom of sent e-mails?

No, nothing will be added at the bottom of sent mails.

Can eMill use Exchange Server to send mails?

Yes.
  • Click on the menu Tools -> Options -> Outgoing queues
  • Click on the Add button
  • Enter all standard SMTP settings and select the Windows security (specific account)
  • Enter a user account that is known to Exchange Server.

How do I configure eMill to process incoming mails?

eMill allows you to automate any incoming emails processing: subscriptions, unsubscriptions, bounces, survey results, direct marketing operations, sales,...
In order to process incoming mails, you need to follow these steps:
  1. Look for messages: Allow eMill to receive messages by setting up an incoming queue. This represents the mail server on which you are receiving your emails. Add an incoming queue using menu Tools -> Options -> Incoming Queues (see the help for details about the queue settings). You can configure multiple incoming queues.

  2. Download messages: Indicate which messages have to be downloaded within eMill. Go to Project -> Incoming Messages, click on the Download Tab. You can either use the wizard to create a downloading condition by clicking on Add or implement the Mailing_OnAcceptMail event.

  3. Process messages: Tell eMill how to process the downloaded messages (update a record in a date source, automatic response,...). Go to Project -> Incoming Messages, click on the General Tab. You can either use the wizard to create a rule by clicking on Add or implement the Mailing_OnReceiveMail event.

  4. Subscribe to an incoming queue: When publishing your project, select the incoming queue where you will receive emails regarding this particular project at the bottom of the 'Publish Window'. You can also subscribe to an incoming queue in the Queues by right clicking on a project, selecting Properties and Incoming Queues.

For more details on this feature, please refer to the Incoming Messages management section at http://www.emill.net/196.html.

Advanced users: For more examples on how to process incoming emails using global script, see the 'Replies' sample by clicking on File -> Open Sample.

Why when I receive the email in my email client, I see the body as an attachment.

There are two possible reason for this:
  1. You have added a new HTML content without deleting the content automatically created by the New Mailing Project wizard. To remove it, select the content (HTMLBody) in the project tree and press the 'Del' button.
  2. The content disposition is not set as 'Message Body'. To modify this parameter, click on the content in the project tree, go to the 'View -> Properties' menu and select 'Message Body' in the list of 'Disposition' options.

How can I insert conditional bodies or images?

Insert your text or image in the HTML editor where you want it to appear. Then, switch to the html source view and enter the following script (in blue) around your text or image:E.g 1: The blue text is displayed if the receiver's field 'Color' is equal to 'Blue'. In all other cases, none text are displayed.


								<% If Record.Fields("Color") = "Blue" Then %>
								<font color="#0000FF">Some text in blue</font>
								<% End If %>
								

E.g. 2: The blue text is displayed if the receiver's field 'Color' is equal to 'Blue'. In all other cases, the red text is displayed.

<% If Record.Fields("Color") = "Blue" Then %>
								    <font color="#0000FF">Some text in blue</font>
								<% Else %>
								    <font color="#FF0000>Some text in red</font>
								<% End If %>
								

E.g. 3: The text on the car is displayed if the receiver's field 'AdType' is equal to 'Cars' or 'Trucks'. The text on the hammer is displayed if the receiver's field 'AdType' is equal to 'Tools'. In all other cases, none text are displayed.


								<% If Record.Fields("AdType") = "Cars" Or Record.Fields("AdType") = "Trucks" Then
								%>
								    You can win this great car <img src="car.jpg">
								<% ElseIf Record.Fields("AdType") = "Tools" Then %>
								    You can win this cool hammer <img src="hammer.jpg">
								<% End If %>
								

How can I customize the subject?

You have two ways for customizing the subject:
  • If you want to use information from the receivers list to personalize the subject, just click on the Project -> Properties -> Headers menu, right click in the Subject line, select 'Insert Field' and the appropriate list field.
  • If you want a different subject according to individual receivers criteria, you must use the 'Global Script'. For instance, below, the subject 'eMill v2.3.19 est maintenant disponible !' will be displayed if the receiver's field 'Language' is equal to 'French'. In all other cases, the subject will be 'eMill v2.3.19 is now available!' .
Sub Mail_OnStartRender()
								    If Record.Fields("Language") = "French" Then
								        Mail.Subject = "eMill v2.3.19 est maintenant disponible !"
								    Else
								        Mail.Subject = "eMill v2.3.19 is now available!"
								    End If
								End Sub

Since Windows XP SP2 is installed, I'm getting an 'Access Denied' or 'RPC server unavailable' error when connecting to the Queues. How can I get around this?

In SP2, the Windows Firewall and a DCOM setting is preventing the eMill Server to connect back to the eMill Client. To solve this problem:
  • Open the Windows Firewall properties from the Windows Control Panel
  • Make sure that the 'Do not allow exceptions' option is unchecked and then open the Exceptions tab
  • Click on 'Add a Port' and enter a TCP 135 port and name it RPC (cf. figure 1)
  • Click on 'Add a Program' and select eMill from the list (cf. figure 2)
  • Open the DCOM Configuration Tool: Click on Start > Execute and enter dcomcnfg.exe
  • Right click 'Properties' on 'My Computers' under 'Component Services' -> 'Computers'
  • Select the 'COM Security' tab (cf. figure 3)
  • Click the 'Edit Limits' button in the 'Access Permissions' section
  • Allow 'Remote Access' to the 'ANONYMOUS LOGON' group (cf. figure 4)

Note: You will probably have to restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Can I use an Exchange Server distribution list to build a receivers list?

It is possible to use an Exchange Server distribution list if it is stored in a public folder and if eMill is installed on the Exchange Server machine.
  • When adding a new receivers list, use the "Advanced ADO" data source type.
  • Close the Data Link Properties window by clicking on Cancel.
  • Enter and fill in the following ADO Connection String:
    Provider=Exoledb.DataSource.1;User ID=";Password="";Mode=Read;Data Source=http://TheServerName/public/ThePublicFolderName;
  • Enter and fill in the following SQL Query:
    SELECT "urn:schemas:contacts:cn" as DisplayName, "urn:schemas:contacts:sn" As LastName, "urn:schemas:contacts:givenName" As FirstName, "urn:schemas:contacts:email1" As eMail FROM scope('shallow traversal of "http://ServerName/public/PublicFolderName"')

How do I install the eMill Tracking Module delivered with the eMill Enterprise editions?

The video tutorial n°7 'Installing the eMill Tracking Module' will give you a step-by-step approach to install it.
Note that the eMill Tracking Module has to be installed on a IIS Web Server (if you want to install it on a linux web server, please contact us).

When I open the eMill Help file, the error message "this page cannot be displayed" is displayed instead of the topic text.

Microsoft recently released a security patch that makes it impossible to view CHM files that are stored on a network drive (as opposed to CHM files stored on your own computer). The help file will appear, but instead of the topic text you will see an error message "this page cannot be displayed".

The security patch and its effects are fully described on Microsoft's web site at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/896358.

If you trust all the computers on your LAN or intranet (and the people using them), you can lower the restrictions on the Local Intranet zone to allow CHM files to be displayed with the following steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
2. Locate and then click the following subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftHTMLHelp1.xItssRestrictions.
If this registry subkey does not exist, create it.
3. Right-click the ItssRestrictions subkey, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
4. Type MaxAllowedZone, and then press Enter.
5. Right-click the MaxAllowedZone value, and then click Modify.
6. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
7. Quit Registry Editor.

If this solution does not work for you, please see https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/896358 for alternatives.

The security update may also prevent you from opening CHM files that you downloaded from the Internet. To resolve this problem, click to clear the Always ask before opening this file check box in the Open File-Security Warning dialog box, and then click Open. Alternatively, right-click the file that you want to open, click Properties, and then click Unblock. See https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/902225 for more information.

Is it possible to manage emailing campaigns remotely using a web browser?

Yes, the eMill Enterprise and eMill Service Provider editions include a web client. When installing eMill, you have the possibility to set up the eMill web interface. It allows any remote users to create, manage and broadcast campaigns from a web browser. For more details, refer to the 'Multiuser Architecture' section.

How to switch from forms authentication mode to Windows authentication mode? (web interface)

Edit your eMill Web Client web.config file.
Change the <authentication mode="Forms"> line to <authentication mode="Windows">.
Change the <identity impersonate="false" /;> line to <identity impersonate="true" />.
Go to the eMill Web Client web site through Internet Information Services (IIS) and set the security like the screenshot below
Authentication methods

How does eMill send SMS?

eMill uses a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) to broadcast SMS campaigns. A SMSC provides the routing of all SMS to the recipient mobile phones. Therefore, before sending SMS from eMill, you will have to subscribe and buy credits from a SMSC. Two types of SMSC are currently supported:
  • An Email to SMS gateway (TM4B)
  • 2 SMPP servers (WorldText and a server that you can configure by yourself)

Choosing between the 2 types of SMSCs will mainly depends on the price and the way you want to use the SMS channel (volume, send & receive SMS,...).

How can I use an Email to SMS gateway that is not already configured in eMill?

Please contact the technical support at support@activeplus.com and give the name of the Email to SMS gateway you want to use. Our team will implement this solution to make it available within eMill.

Can I send MMS campaigns with eMill?

No, eMill cannot manage and send MMS campaigns.

Can I use eMill to manage emailing campaigns without any technical knowledge?

Yes. eMill offers a full set of tools to manage emailing campaigns without any technical knowledge. eMill only includes complementary scripting modules in order to provide more flexibility. Note that if you need the use of script for one of your project, our team is at your disposal to guide you.

Can eMill be controlled by an external application?

Yes, the eMill API lets you build a communication to any third-party application through a COM or a .NET Interface.
The COM and .NET Interface are not public for licensing issues. Please contact us if you are interested in using the eMill API.

What are the differences between the Professional, Enterprise and Service Provider editions?

eMill Enterprise adds the following features to eMill Professional version:
  • Message tracking as an independant module. You have access to the message tracking statistics indefinitely without paying subscription fees.
  • Multi user architecture with support for per user security and quotas.
  • The web client is available allowing you to use eMill in any circumstances.
  • Connects to enterprise databases such as Oracle, Informix or SQL Server.
  • Includes a PDF driver to optionally convert HTML and Text contents.
  • Provides a DataSource object to connect to non-ADO databases.
  • Includes eMill Fax which allows you to send and receive faxes.
  • Includes eMill SMS which allows you to send and receive SMS.

A table with the full features list of both eMill editions is available at http://www.emill.net/67.html.

The eMill Service Provider edition includes all eMill Enterprise features more an accounting module, a credit management module, a private-labeled web interface and 20 web user licenses.

Is eMill available with a private-labeled interface?

Yes, the eMill web interface can be private-labeled if you purchase the eMill Service Provider edition. It allows you to offer an online email marketing platform adapted to your corporate style.
For more details, refer to the page dedicated to the eMill Service Provider edition.

Our company would like to set up an online email marketing service. Can I use eMill to create this emailing platform?

Yes, eMill offers an edition designed for email marketing service providers. It allows you to create and manage easily an online email marketing platform. For more details on this solution, refer to the page dedicated to the eMill Service Provider edition.

Is it possible to use eMill on Mac OSX?

eMill cannot be installed on Mac OSX. However, you can manage emailing campaigns with Mac OSX through the eMill Web interface.

Can I let my customers manage emailing campaigns by themselves?

Yes, eMill provides a set of tools to let your customers manage emailing campaigns through the local network or Internet. The service administrator is able to easily create accounts, manage access permissions or monitor the activity. Moreover, according to your needs, the customer can manage its campaigns by using his web browser or by installing the eMill Windows client on its computer.

Can the eMill administrator restrict the number of messages sent and received by each eMill client account?

Yes. The eMill Service Provider edition lets you define for each user or group of users:
  • A maximum number of campaigns
  • A maximum number of messages rendered
  • A maximum number of messages sent per minute
  • A maximum message size

Can I connect eMill Windows client to an eMill server through Internet?

It is possible to use eMill over Internet in 2 different ways:
  • By using the eMill web interface through a web browser.
  • By installing the eMill Windows client on your local computer and connecting it to the eMill server over Internet. To set up this solution, eMill provides an innovative and powerful technology, the SPC protocol.

Is it possible to monitor the activity of the different eMill client accounts?

Yes. The eMill Service Provider edition includes an accounting module to monitor for each user or group of users the number of messages sent, received and rendered as well as the outgoing and incoming traffic. Note that you are able to define a value for each of these elements (how many credits?) in order to invoice easily the eMill users.

Is it possible to define access permissions for each eMill client account?

Yes. For each user or group of users, you are able to allow or deny the following actions:
  • Create and delete projects
  • View projects
  • Modify projects
  • View queue messages
  • Render and delete queues messages
  • Start and stop mailer
  • View message tracking statistics
  • Reset message tracking statistics

What does the 30,000 messages per project limit mean?

This limit applies to the number of messages per campaign.

Can I connect eMill to a Microsoft Access database to create my receivers list?

Yes, eMill allows you to build a live connection to an Access database in order to create a receivers list. To set this connection, follow these steps:
  • When creating a new mailing project, select 'Access Database (*.mdb)' in the data source list.
  • Enter the location of your Access file and the authentication details if necessary. Then, click on 'Next'.
  • Under Tables/Queries, select the Access table you want to use.
  • Click on 'Next'.

How can I get the latest eMill version?

If your maintenance license has not expired, send an email to sales@activeplus.com and we will send you the link to download the latest eMill version.
If your maintenance license has expired; you must order a one year renewal online at http://www.activeplus.com/?Jump=Renew&Family=eMill.

If I want to upgrade to another eMill edition, what do I have to pay?

You only pay the difference between the price of the eMill edition you want to purchase and the price of the eMill edition you already have.
You can order an upgrade online at http://www.activeplus.com/?Jump=Upgrade&Family=eMill.

What type of payment methods do you offer?

The payment methods available are credit card, check and bank transfer. In case of a payment by check or bank transfer, you must fax us a purchase order to validate your order.

Can In use eMill to update my database with subscriptions from an online form?

Yes, you can set up this process if you receive the subscriptions requests by email. You just configure eMill to download these emails, then, it will use the information included in the email to update the database (add a new contact or update an existing one).
In order to set up this system, we invite you to refer to the project sample called 'Newsletter' accessible from the eMill start page.

Note that eMill includes a tool called 'Opt-In Management' that creates for you a subscription form as well as the message rules to process automatically subscriptions and unsubscriptions. To use this tool, create a mailing project, select the receivers list in the project tree and click on the Tools -> Opt-In Management menu.

Can I use eMill to update my database with unsubscriptions?

Yes, you can set up this process if you receive the unsubscriptions requests by email. You just configure eMill to download these emails, then, it will use the information included in the email to update the database (remove the contact or update it).
In order to set up this system, we invite you to refer to the project sample called 'Newsletter' accessible from the eMill start page.

Note that eMill includes a tool called 'Opt-In Management' that creates for you a subscription form as well as the message rules to process automatically subscriptions and unsubscriptions. To use this tool, create a mailing project, select the receivers list in the project tree and click on the Tools -> Opt-In Management menu.

Can I use eMill to update a database with the results of an online survey?

Yes, you can update a database if you receive the answers to the online survey by e-mail. You just configure eMill to download these emails, then, it will use the information included in the email to update the database.
In order to set up this system, we invite you to refer to the project sample called 'Web Form' accessible from the eMill start page.

How eMill is delivered?

eMill is delivered by e-mail. Once we receive your order, we send you an e-mail with the link to download the registered version and the registration key. In case of a payment by check or bank transfer, we send you a temporary registration key awaiting the reception of your payment.
eMill can be delivered by CD for a 15 Euros extra.

Is it possible to download the eMill documentation?

Yes, the eMill documentation is available for download here.

Do you provide tutorials?

You can find tutorials in the online webcasts, in the eMill help knowledge base (press F1 when eMill is launched) and in the project samples accessible from the eMill start page (File > Start page menu).

Is it possible to have a free trial with the fax, the SMS and/or the message tracking modules?

Yes, these modules are included with the eMill Enterprise edition free trial. Once you have filled out the download form, click on one of the eMill Enterprise edition link to get the Fax, SMS and message tracking modules.

What are the limitations of the 30-day free trial?

The free trial of eMill is limited at 30 days, 500 receivers per campaign and add a footer at the bottom of each sent emails.

Do I need a dedicated server to use eMill?

In most cases, you don't need a dedicated server to use eMill. If you are planning to manage campaigns with more than 400,000 messages, a dedicated server may be preferable.
For more details, visit the Languages and requirements page.

What type of support and updates are provided?

Updates include all minor and major evolutions of the software: corrections, improvements but also all the new features.
The technical support team has to be contacted by e-mail at support@activeplus.com. If necessary, our team will contact you directly by phone.
Support and updates are free for the first year when purchasing an eMill edition.

Can eMill send 'multipart' messages to display either a text or an HTML content according to the receiver's mail client settings?

Yes, eMill lets your create 'multipart' messages that include an HTML and a text version of your email. Indeed, even if most email clients today support HTML emails, some recipients may configure their email client to block HTML contents preventing your message to be displayed. With a 'multipart' message, the email client will display the format most suited to its environment, HTML for HTML capable clients, plain-text for text only clients. If you wish to create a 'multipart' message with eMill, we recommend you to start a new project by launching the 'New Mailing Project' wizard from the 'File -> New' menu and selecting 'Mailing Project'. Once the wizard is terminated, two contents are automatically created: an HTML content (HTMLBody) and a text content (TextBody). This last content includes a line of script to copy dynamically the HTML content text into the text content. You can either leave the line of script or delete it to create your own alternate text.

Can I send text-only messages using eMill?

Yes. To add a text content in your eMill project, select the 'Project -> Add Content' menu. You will have the possibility to create an empty text content or to import an existing file. Note that the 'New Mailing Project' wizard creates automatically an HTML content (HTMLBody) and an alternate text (TextBody).
To modify a text content, you can either use the eMill text editor or edit it in your preferred application by clicking on the 'Open with' (Open with) icon.

Is it possible to create and/or modify contents using eMill?

Yes. To add an HTML content in your eMill project, select the 'Project -> Add Content' menu. You will have the possibility to create an empty HTML content, to import an existing file or a web page and to connect to a web address. Note that the 'New Mailing Project' wizard creates automatically an HTML content (HTMLBody) and an alternate text (TextBody).
To modify an HTML content, you can either use the eMill HTML editor or edit it in your preferred application (Frontpage, Dreamweaver,...) by clicking on the 'Open with' (Open with) icon.

Can I send emails with the AOL format?

eMill does not offer the possibility to create 'AOL format' email contents because it is no longer useful. Indeed, the AOL format was an optimized HTML message designed for the AOL mail client because it processed the HTML language differently than other mail clients. Since the release of AOL 6.0 in 2000, it supports HTML correctly and the 'AOL format' is no longer useful.

Is it possible to use external HTML editors such as Frontpage or Dreamweaver to create email contents?

Yes, eMill lets you use an external HTML editor such as Frontpage or Dreamweaver to create your message and offers 2 alternatives:
  1. You create the content using your preferred application and you import it in your eMill project from the 'Project -> Add Content' menu by selecting the option 'Add a new content from an existing file'.
  2. You already have an HTML content in your eMill project but you want to modify it using your preferred HTML editor. Just select the content in the project tree and click on the 'Open with' (Open with) icon. The HTML editor opens automatically with your content ready to be edited. Once the file is modified, save it and go back to eMill. A window will be automatically displayed suggesting you to update the content in eMill.

Is it possible to embed external images to emails?

Yes, eMill offers the possibility to embed external or remote images to an email. When the option is enabled, eMill downloads automatically the images from the web server during the message creation and embed it to the message.
To enable this option, select an HTML content in the eMill project tree, click on the 'View -> Properties' menu and check the 'Embed external images' option at the bottom of the window.

Can I create emails using a CSS style sheet?

Yes, eMill allows you to create HTML emails using CSS either in a <style> tag, inline (i.e.: <table style="...">) or in an attached style sheet.

The main concern in using CSS is to know if it will be correctly displayed by your receivers' mail clients:

  • In a B2B communication, the CSS can be used using any methods (<style> tag, inline or attached style sheet) as Outlook and Thunderbird process it correctly. The only exception is Lotus Notes which does not support CSS.
  • In a B2C communication, you should not use an attached style sheet as it is never processed by web mails. Then, it is recommended to put the CSS style 'inline' to have your message correctly displayed. Indeed, even if Yahoo Mail seems to handle the <style> tag, Hotmail or Gmail often ignore or delete it (above all if it is put between the <head> and </head> tags).

What is the interest of the eMill PDF Converter?

It allows you to convert any HTML content created with eMill into PDF and send it as an attachment. Thus, you are able to create an attractive and personalized PDF file using the features of the HTML editor: message layout, images insertion, merge field, personalization by script, etc.

To enable the PDF converter, select an HTML content in the eMill project tree, click on the 'View -> Properties' menu and check the 'Convert to PDF format' option at the bottom of the window.

Do you provide email templates?

Yes, eMill includes message templates to send a newsletter, a catalogue of products, a coupon or a catalogue of coupons. To select a message template, create a new campaign from the 'File -> New' menu, select 'Mailing Projet' or 'Empty Mailing Projet' and click on 'OK'. The message templates are listed at the bottom of the wizard first window. Just select one of the message template and proceed the wizard.

Is it possible to add a 'list-unsubscribe' header to an email?

The 'list-unsubscribe' header is a new standard for the display of unsubscribe links.

If this header is included in an email, the mail client displays an unsubscribe button within its interface. It should incite a receiver to click on it to unsubscribe instead of reporting your message as a spam (which is a widely used unsubscribe technique). Here is the way Windows Live Mail displays it:

Windows Live Mail

Note that this technique only works with mail clients supporting this standard. Moreover, some mail clients may apply restrictions. For instance, Windows Live Mail only displays the button if the email sender is in the receiver's safe list.

With eMill, you are able to take advantage of this technique and add the header to the emails you send. You just need to insert the script below in your email content (wherever you want):


								Mail.Headers.Add "List-Unsubscribe", "<UNSUBSCRIBE_LINK>"

Replace UNSUBSCRIBE_LINK by your usual unsubscribe link. It can have 2 formats:

  • a link to send an email. For instance: <mailto:unsubscribe@domain.com>
  • a link to call a web page. For instance: <http://domain.com/unsubscribe.asp?email=tech@domain.com>

Which tool do you provide to personalize my campaigns?

eMill offers 3 methods to personalize a campaign:
  • The merge field that consists in inserting information from the receivers list in the content. To use this method, right-click in a content from the text or HTML editor, select 'Insert -> Data Source Field' and the appropriate list field.
  • The creation of conditional contents that consists in adding several contents in your project from the 'Project -> Add a content' menu. Then, for each of them, you define in which conditions it will be displayed in the message. To set a condition, select a content in the project tree and click on the 'View -> Properties -> Conditions' menu. In the sample below, the content will be displayed in the message if the receiver's field 'Language' is equal to 'French'.

    Content condition

    For more details on this feature, please run the webcast 'Creating an emailing project with conditional contents'.

  • The insertion of script. You can add script from the HTML or text editor by right-clicking in a content and selecting the 'Insert -> Script' menu. If you wish to insert script to personalize other campaign elements than the message content, you must use the 'Global Script' (for more details, refer to the eMill help from the 'Help -> Content' menu).

Is it possible to personalize the sender email address?

You have two ways for customizing the sender email address:
  • If you want to use information from the receivers list to personalize the sender email address, just click on the Project -> Properties -> Headers menu, right click in the From line, select 'Insert Field' and the appropriate list field.
  • If you want a different sender email address according to individual receivers criteria, you must use the 'Global Script'. For instance, below, the sender email address 'ventes@emilltest.com' will be displayed if the receiver's field 'Language' is equal to 'French'. In all other cases, the sender email address will be 'sales@activeplus.com' .

								Sub Mail_OnStartRender()
								    If Record.Fields("Language") = "French" Then
								        Mail.From ="ventes@emilltest.com"
								    Else
								        Mail.From = "sales@emilltest.com"
								    End If
								End Sub
								

What is the advantage of a live connection to databases?

eMill is part of the few solutions that gives you the possibility to connect directly to a database in order to build a receivers list. This technology lets you:
  • Always work on the latest data. If your database is updated by another department or by another application as a CRM system, the modifications are directly displayed within eMill.
  • Update directly your database after a campaign. For instance, if an email address no longer exists or if a contact has updated his contact details, you can make the modifications directly on the orignial file.
  • Gain time and efficiency. This advantage follows the 2 preceding ones. Indeed, with eMill you don't lose time importing and exporting data and you reduce the possibility to make errors when updating a database. Furthermore, it allows you to build a more reactive communication with your customers because, as soon as an information is added to your company database you can use it to send an email.
  • Take advantage of the database application features. Although we try to provide a complete set of features, we cannot provide you the professional tools included in databases applications such as Oracle, SQL Server or MySQL. Thanks to this live connection, you can use your preferred application tools, save modifications and have your receivers list instantly updated in eMill.

Is it possible to manage blacklists with eMill?

Yes, all the features for the management of receivers list are also available for black lists: live connection to databases, automatic update, blacklist per project or global, etc.

Can I retrieve email addresses stored in a text file with eMill?

Yes, eMill lets you retrieve email addresses stored in a text file to create a receivers list. To import these addresses, follow these steps:
  • When creating a new mailing project, select 'Text files (*.txt, *.csv)' in the data source list.
  • Enter the location of your text file and click on 'Next'.

Can I connect eMill to a Microsoft Access database to create my receivers list?

Yes, eMill allows you to build a live connection to an Access database in order to create a receivers list. To set this connection, follow these steps:
  • When creating a new mailing project, select 'Access Database (*.mdb)' in the data source list.
  • Enter the location of your Access file and the authentication details if necessary. Then, click on 'Next'.
  • Under Tables/Queries, select the Access table you want to use.
  • Click on 'Next'.

Can I connect eMill to a Microsoft Excel sheet to create my receivers list?

Yes, eMill allows you to build a live connection to an Excel file in order to create a receivers list. To set this connection, follow these steps:
  • When creating a new mailing project, select 'Excel Spreadsheet (*.xls)' in the data source list.
  • Enter the location of your Excel file and click on 'Next'.
  • Under Tables/Queries, select the Excel sheet you want to use (more details).
  • Click on 'Next'.

Note that if you wish to edit your list in eMill or update it automatically, it is recommended to import your Excel contacts in eMill and not to connect eMill to your Excel file. Indeed, as Excel is not a database application, some actions may be difficult to perform and could corrupt your file.
To import contacts, select a receivers list in the eMill project tree and click on the File -> Import addresses.

Can I connect eMill to an SQL Server database to create my receivers list?

Yes, eMill allows you to build a live connection to an SQL Server database in order to create a receivers list. To set this connection, follow these steps:
  • When creating a new mailing project, select 'Advanced ADO' in the data source list.
  • In the providers list of the 'Data link properties' window, select 'Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server' and click on 'Next'.
  • Enter the server name, choose the appropriate authentication method and select the database you want to use. If you don't know these information, please contact your SQL Server administrator.
  • Click on 'Test the connection' in order to check the validity of these parameters and on 'OK'.

Note that the connection to SQL Server databases is only available with the eMill Enterprise and eMill Service Provider editions.

Can I connect eMill to a MySQL database to create my receivers list?

Yes, eMill allows you to build a live connection to a MySQL database in order to create a receivers list. To set this connection, follow these steps:
  • When creating a new mailing project, select 'MySQL Database' in the data source list.
  • Enter the location of the MySQL server, the port number as well as the user name and password to connect to your MySQL database. If you don't know these information, please contact your MySQL administrator.
  • Click on 'Next'.

Can I connect eMill to an Oracle database to create my receivers list?

Yes, eMill allows you to build a live connection to an Oracle database in order to create a receivers list. To set this connection, follow these steps:
  • When creating a new mailing project, select 'Advanced ADO' in the data source list.
  • In the providers list of the 'Data link properties' window, select 'Microsoft OLE DB Provider for Oracle' and click on 'Next'.
  • Enter the appropriate server name, user name and password to connect to your Oracle database. If you don't know these information, please contact your Oracle administrator.
  • Click on 'Test the connection' in order to check the validity of these parameters and on 'OK'.

Note that the connection to Oracle databases is only available with the eMill Enterprise and eMill Service Provider editions.

Is it possible to remove duplicates and invalid email addresses from a list?

Yes, eMill includes the necessary tools to remove duplicates and invalid email addresses from a list. To reach these features, select a list in the eMill project tree, click on the 'Tools' menu and select 'Verify addresses' or 'Remove duplicates'. Please refer to the eMill help (F1 button) to learn more on how these tools work.

Is it possible to use several lists for one campaign?

Yes, eMill lets you use an unlimited number of lists for one campaign. Just repeat for each list the process of adding a receivers list from the 'Project -> Add a receivers list' menu. Note that for each list, you are able to apply filters, to verify addresses and remove duplicates.

How can I use my Microsoft Outlook contacts to create a receivers list?

When adding a new receivers list to your project and after selecting the 'Outlook contacts' data source, the following window is displayed:
New receivers list wizard

Under Tables/Queries, the lists available in your Outlook are displayed. The first lists (Contact, ContactGroups, Contacts, Emails) are automatically created by Outlook and allow you to retrieve all your Outlook contacts.

The distribution lists you have created are displayed as GroupList_name. For instance, in the screenshot above, the distribution lists available are: Client, ContactPro, Parents. To use a distribution list, select it under Tables/Queries and click on 'Next'.

Note that eMill does not allow you to select a specific folder of your Outlook contacts. Therefore, if you don't want to create a list with all your Outlook contacts, we recommend you to create distribution lists with Outlook before starting a mailing project with eMill.

How can I select the appropriate Excel sheet to build my receivers list?

When adding a new receivers list to your project and after selecting the 'Excel Spreadsheet' data source, the following window is displayed:

Receivers list wizard

Under Tables/Queries, a list of the sheets available in your Excel file is displayed (here, there are 3 sheets: Customers, Resellers and Suppliers). Just select the sheet you want to use and click on 'Next'.

Note that if you define a print area in your Excel sheet, it will be displayed as a new sheet under Tables/Queries with the following name: 'Sheet_name$Print_area.

I am the webmaster of an e-commerce website. Can I connect eMill to my back office application?

Yes. Most of the back office applications are using a MySQL database to store all data. So, you are able to build a live connection to this database to integrate eMill within your infrastructure.
Just create a new mailing project, choose 'MySQL Database' in the Data source list and enter the database settings. If you don't know these parameters, please contact your application administrator.

Can I connect eMill to my CRM infrastructure?

Yes, eMill can be connected to your CRM infrastructure. However, the connection method will vary according to your needs.
If you wish to connect to the CRM database, you will only need to build a connection using the database connection wizard (Project -> Add a receivers list menu).
If you wish to integrate eMill within your infrastructure and have the possibility to control eMill from your CRM application, you will need to use the eMill API.
In both cases, we recommend you to contact our technical team so that they can guide you to set up an efficient process.

What does 'built-in SMTP server' mean?

This means that eMill includes a SMTP server allowing you to send email campaigns directly from your computer without using any external SMTP server such as your ISP one.
Note that some limits may apply to the use of this direct delivery mode.

What does 'multiple SMTP relays' mean?

It means that you are able to configure and enable several SMTP servers to send one campaign. It allows you not to overload one server when sending an important campaign.
Note that eMill will automatically balance the sending of messages on the different SMTP servers.

With eMill, it is possible to use the eMill SMTP server or external SMTP servers to send messages. What is the best solution?

The choice between these different techniques depends on many variables including the number of messages per campaign or your company IT infrastructure.

If you have a company SMTP server available, we advise you to use it. It allows you to have a full control on the campaign sending and to implement any changes if necessary.

Otherwise, you can use your Internet Service Provider (ISP) SMTP server. This method is easy and fast to configure. However, some ISPs may restrict the number of messages you are able to send. Please contact them to know what is their policy.

Finally, you can use the eMill built-in SMTP server. Note that some restrictions may apply to the use of this method.

Can I use my Internet Service Provider (ISP) SMTP server to send messages?

Yes. eMill lets you use your ISP SMTP server to broadcast emailing campaigns. To set it up, follow these steps:
  • Open the Tools -> Options -> Outgoing queues menu.
  • Select the 'Use one or more outgoing SMTP relay servers' button.
  • Click on the 'Add' button.
  • In the 'Server' field, enter your ISP SMTP server address. Please contact your ISP if you don't know this address.
  • Choose the appropriate authentication method. For most ISPs, you must select 'No' because you are authenticated thanks to your computer IP address. If you need to provide your account details, select 'Account (clear text)' and enter your mail user name and password.

Is the message sending made through your SMTP server or through our own infrastructure?

The message sending is made through you own infrastructure. eMill gives you the possibility to use the eMill built-in SMTP server, your Internet Service Provider SMTP server, your company SMTP server or any other external SMTP server.

What is the messages sending speed?

The sending speed depends on many parameters: the message size, the internet bandwidth, the hardware, etc. Please contact us to get an estimation of the sending speed you can reach.

Why the sending of messages is slower when I use the built-in eMill SMTP server than when I use an external SMTP server?

The sending speed seems slower when using the built-in SMTP server because messages are directly delivered to the receivers. When using an external SMTP server, eMill sends the messages to the SMTP server which will deliver the campaign to the receivers. That is why the sending seems faster.

Is it possible to slow down the sending of messages?

Yes, eMill includes an option to throttle the number of messages sent per minute. It can be set from the 'Project -> Properties -> Mailer' menu.

Is it possible to speed the sending of messages?

Yes, you are able to speed the sending of messages by optimizing few elements:
  • Get an Internet connection with a high upload rate. Consult your Internet Service Provider to know the solutions it offers.
  • Define the optimal thread count for the SMTP server you use (Tools -> Options -> Outgoing queues menu). This setting determines the maximum number of simultaneous connections between eMill and the server. To optimize it, start with 1 and raise the value over time until you reach any limit with your server or bandwidth.
    • If you use an external SMTP server, 8 should reflect fair bandwidth and server performance.
    • If you use the built-in SMTP server, it is possible to raise the value until 40.
  • Decrease the message size. If you include a lot of image or media files in your message, think about uploading it on a web server to decrease the message size.
  • Improve your computer performances if you manage high volume email campaigns (> 1 million of messages) or if you use a lot of scripts to create campaigns.
    To have more details on the hardware we recommend, refer to the Languages/Requirements section.

Can I schedule the sending of a campaign at a specific date and time?

Yes, eMill allows you to run a campaign at a specific date and time.
The settings to schedule a campaign sending can only be defined once the project is published. From the eMill Queues, select the project you want to schedule and click on the 'Project -> Schedule' menu.

Can I schedule recurring campaigns with eMill?

Yes, eMill allows you to run a campaign every X days, every X weeks, at specific days of the week and at a specific time.
The settings to schedule a campaign sending can only be defined once the project is published. From the eMill Queues, select the project you want to schedule and click on the 'Project -> Schedule' menu.

Can I send test messages with eMill?

Yes. eMill lets you send a test message to one or more receivers.
To send a test message, display the message preview from the project tree and click on the 'Tools -> Send Test Message' menu.

Can I configure the port I want to use to send messages?

When using a SMTP server other than the eMill built-in server, you can define any port number when setting up the outgoing queues (Tools -> Option -> Outgoing queues).

How is it possible to use an eMailing software like eMill for legitimate e-mail marketing activities without being flagged as a spammer?

A: In order to provide you with detailed information on this key issue, the eMill division has written and published a white paper called "How to Optimize Email Deliverability?".

This white paper gives email marketers a detailed list of the different issues you should be aware of: subscribe and unsubscribe processes, list building, bounces, communication strategies, email creation, anti-spam filters, delivery monitoring, blacklists, spam complaints, whitelists, authentication methods, accreditation services, reputation scores, sending techniques, server configuration...

Read "How to Optimize Email Deliverability?" in PDF

Does eMill support authentication methods such as SenderID or DomainKeys?

Yes. According to the authentication method you want to implement, our technical support will guide you.

Which restrictions apply to the use of the built-in SMTP server (Direct Delivery Mode)?

The Direct Delivery Mode can be used without any specific settings. However, your messages may not always be delivered successfully. Indeed, due to the checking processed by the receiving mail servers, the following restrictions may apply to the use of the built-in SMTP server:
  • A fixed IP address is preferable.
  • Reverse DNS must be configured properly for this IP address.
  • Reverse IP name must be configured in eMill (Tools > Options > Advanced. Reverse IP Name area).
  • ISPs are sometimes blacklisting IP addresses given by big ISPs. In order to check if yours is blacklisted, visit the MAPS DUL website at http://www.mail-abuse.com/enduserinfo_dul.html

What data are provided by the message tracking module?

The message tracking module provides a full set of statistics on the opens and clicks. Then, it lets you build a personalized receivers list. For instance, you can get a list of the receivers who clicked on the link A, between 8h and 10h, on January 15th.

Can I allow my clients to see the message tracking statistics on the web?

Yes. The eMill Enterprise editions allow you to give a web address accessible by your client so that they can display the message tracking statistics corresponding to their campaigns.

The web address is composed of the following elements:

  • Domain name or public IP address of the computer where the eMill server is installed.
  • Port number to access the computer from Internet. By default, the port number is 8081. If you keep this parameter, you don't need to indicate it in the web address.
  • Name of the eMill client account. To allow a client to see the statistics corresponding to its campaigns, you must indicate the name of its eMill account in the web address.

The web address will have a different format according to the operating system of the computer where the eMill Server is installed (in red, the elements to modify):

  • For Windows Server 2000 or 2003:

    http://domain_name_or_public_ip:8081/Tracking.asp?Account=eMill_client_account_name

  • For Windows XP or 2000 :

    http://domain_name_or_public_ip:8081/eMillWeb/Tracking.asp?Account=eMill_client_account_name

If you wish to give an access to the tracking statistics of a specific project, the web address will have the following format:

  • For Windows Server 2000 or 2003:

    http://domain_name_or_public_ip:8081/TrackingStatsGeneral.asp?ProjectUrl=eMill_server_name%5CeMill_project_name

  • For Windows XP or 2000:

    http://domain_name_or_public_ip:8081/eMillWeb/TrackingStatsGeneral.asp?ProjectUrl=eMill_server_name%5CeMill_project_name

    Note that if the eMill server name or the eMill project name contains special characters or spaces, they must be encodedin the URL.

What makes the difference between the eMill message tracking module and solutions where I have to pay recurring fees?

The eMill Enterprise editions let you install the message tracking module on your own web server. Compared to the services based on the payment of a subscription fee, this solution allows you to:
  • Pay once to get message tracking statistics indefinitely.
  • Keep confidential the data collected by the message tracking module.
  • Get a redirection URL with your company domain name. Indeed, when using any emailing solutions, the message links are modified to include the address of the web server where the message tracking module is installed. If the web server domain name is different than the email sender one, some anti-spam filters could flag this message as a Spam.
  • Take advantage of more flexibility in the use of the message tracking statistics. Indeed, as these data are collected and stored by yourselves, you can use them freely.

We are interested in eMill Professional and the message tracking features, what solution do you offer?

In order to allow you to take advantage of the message tracking module with the eMill Professional edition, we offer an hosted tracking service. This means that you just need to pay a subscription fee every 6 month or every year to get access to the message tracking features (opens, clicks, export of results) without the need to install any module. To find out more about this service pricing, please refer to the 'Pricing' page.

Note that, in the eMill Enterprise editions, the message tracking is available as an independent module. This means that you just need to install it on your own computer, then, you can use it indefinitely without paying any subscription fees.

What are the differences between the 'Message Tracking' module delivered with eMill Professional and the eMill Enterprise one?

The message tracking is available in 2 different package according to the eMill Edition you wish to purchase.

  • eMill Professional Edition: The message tracking is made available as an hosted service. You pay a subscription fee every 6 month or every year to have access to your message tracking statistics and you don't need to install any module.
  • eMill Enterprise Edition: The message tracking is made available as an independant module. You install it on your own web server and get an unlimited access to your message tracking statistics without paying any subscription fees.

How can I manage bounces (aka DSN) with eMill?

The eMill incoming messages processing module allows you to manage efficiently and easily soft bounces and hard bounces.
In order to process bounces, eMill is going to download these messages from you mail client, then, it will run the actions defined by the eMill user: report bounces, delete a record from the database, update a record in the database, etc.

To set up the automatic management of bounces, we invite you to open the eMill help file (press F1 when eMill is launched) and to go to the Knowledge base -> Managing DNSs or Bounces menu. This article gives you a step-by-step approach to process bounces.