How to Add eMule Servers: A Comprehensive Guide
eMule, a popular peer-to-peer file-sharing application, relies on a network of servers to connect users and facilitate file transfers. Adding and managing eMule servers is crucial for a smooth and efficient downloading experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of adding eMule servers, ensuring you can find the best servers for your needs and maintain a healthy server list.
## Why Adding eMule Servers is Important
* **Access to Files:** eMule servers act as directories, helping you discover and download files shared by other users. Without a valid server list, you won’t be able to find or download anything.
* **Faster Downloads:** Connecting to reliable servers with a large user base can significantly improve your download speeds.
* **Security:** Choosing reputable servers minimizes the risk of connecting to fake or malicious servers that could compromise your system.
* **Updated Content:** Servers are regularly updated with new files, ensuring you have access to the latest content.
## Understanding eMule Server Lists
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what an eMule server list is. It’s essentially a list of server addresses (IP addresses and ports) that eMule uses to connect to the network. These lists are often distributed as `.met` files or through server update URLs.
### Types of eMule Servers
* **Official Servers:** These are the original servers that formed the backbone of the eMule network. However, many of these servers are now outdated or unreliable.
* **Unofficial Servers:** These are servers run by individuals or organizations, and their reliability can vary. Some are excellent, while others may be fake or malicious.
* **Safe Servers:** These are the servers that are known to be safe and reliable. It’s always best to stick to safe servers to protect your system and data.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Adding eMule Servers
Here are the detailed steps to add eMule servers to your eMule client:
### Method 1: Adding Servers via Server.met File
The `.met` file is a common way to import a list of servers into eMule. Here’s how to do it:
1. **Download a Reliable Server.met File:**
* Find a reputable source for `.met` files. A quick Google search for “eMule server.met download” will yield several results. Make sure to choose a source that is regularly updated and known for its safety. Some popular sources include:
* **Peerates:** (check online for their current URL, as it changes)
* **eMule-Security:** (check online for their current URL, as it changes)
* **eMule Official Forums:** (check online for their current URL, as it changes)
* **Caution:** Be extremely careful when downloading `.met` files from unknown sources. They could contain malicious server addresses.
2. **Locate Your eMule Configuration Directory:**
* The location of your eMule configuration directory depends on your operating system and eMule version. Here are the common locations:
* **Windows XP:** `C:\Program Files\eMule\config`
* **Windows Vista/7/8/10/11:** `C:\Program Files (x86)\eMule\config` or `C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\eMule\config` (AppData is often a hidden folder. You may need to enable “Show hidden files and folders” in your Folder Options).
* **Important:** If you cannot find the ‘config’ directory, open eMule and go to Options -> Directories. Here you can see the paths to the ‘Incoming’ and ‘Temp’ folders, and the config folder is usually in the same main directory.
3. **Replace the Existing Server.met File (Optional, but Recommended):**
* Close eMule completely.
* Navigate to your eMule configuration directory.
* Rename the existing `server.met` file to `server.met.bak` (this creates a backup in case you need to revert).
* Copy the downloaded `server.met` file into the configuration directory.
4. **Start eMule:**
* Launch eMule.
* Go to the “Servers” tab.
* You should now see the new servers listed.
5. **Update Server List from Server.met (If Not Automatic):**
* In the Servers tab, if the servers didn’t automatically populate, right-click in the server list area. You should see options like “Update server.met from URL” or “Load server.met”. Choose the option to load the `server.met` file directly from the config directory. This forces eMule to read the new file.
### Method 2: Adding Servers via Server Update URL
This method uses a URL to automatically update your server list. It’s often more convenient than downloading `.met` files.
1. **Find a Reliable Server Update URL:**
* Similar to `.met` files, you need to find a trustworthy source for server update URLs. Here are some options:
* **Peerates:** (check online for their current URL, as it changes)
* **eMule-Security:** (check online for their current URL, as it changes)
* **ESelver.tk:** `http://eselver.tk/server.met`
* **IP-Filter.de:** `http://www.ip-filter.de/server.met`
* **Important:** Always verify the source before using a server update URL. A malicious URL could add fake or harmful servers to your list.
2. **Add the URL to eMule:**
* Start eMule.
* Go to the “Servers” tab.
* In the “Update server.met from URL” box (usually located at the bottom of the server list), paste the server update URL.
* Click the “Update” button.
3. **Check the Server List:**
* eMule will download and add the servers from the URL. You should see them appear in the server list.
### Method 3: Adding Servers Manually
This method allows you to add servers one by one. It’s useful if you only have a few server addresses.
1. **Obtain the Server Address:**
* You’ll need the IP address and port number of the server you want to add. For example, `123.456.789.012:4661`.
2. **Add the Server in eMule:**
* Start eMule.
* Go to the “Servers” tab.
* Right-click in the server list area.
* Select “Add new server”.
* Enter the server’s IP address and port number.
* Click “OK”.
3. **Verify the Server:**
* The server should now appear in your server list.
## Maintaining a Healthy Server List
Adding servers is just the first step. Maintaining a healthy server list is crucial for a good eMule experience. Here are some tips:
* **Regular Updates:** Update your server list regularly (at least once a week) to ensure you have the latest and most reliable servers. Use the server update URL method for convenience.
* **Remove Dead Servers:** Periodically remove servers that are no longer online or respond slowly. Right-click on a server and select “Remove server” to delete it.
* **Prioritize Safe Servers:** Connect to servers that are known to be safe and reputable. Avoid servers with high ping times or those that frequently disconnect.
* **Use a Server Filter:** eMule has a built-in server filter that can help you block fake or malicious servers. Enable the filter in Options -> Security and configure it to block servers based on IP address ranges or other criteria.
* **ED2K Links:** When downloading files, use ED2K links whenever possible. ED2K links contain information about multiple servers that host the file, increasing your chances of finding a source.
* **Check Server Statistics:** Pay attention to server statistics, such as the number of users connected and the number of files shared. Servers with more users and files are generally more reliable.
* **Disable Unreliable Servers:** If you find a server that consistently gives you problems (slow speeds, frequent disconnects), right-click on it and choose “Disable server”. This will prevent eMule from connecting to that server in the future.
## Dealing with Fake and Malicious Servers
Fake and malicious servers are a common problem in the eMule network. These servers can try to trick you into downloading fake files, steal your personal information, or even install malware on your system. Here’s how to protect yourself:
* **Use a Server Filter:** As mentioned earlier, a server filter is your first line of defense against fake servers. Configure it to block known bad IP address ranges.
* **Verify Server Names:** Be wary of servers with suspicious names, such as those that contain keywords like “Fake,” “Spy,” or “Virus.” Genuine servers usually have more generic names.
* **Check Server IDs:** Each eMule server has a unique ID. Compare the server ID with known lists of legitimate server IDs to identify fake servers.
* **Be Careful with Files:** Always scan downloaded files with an antivirus program before opening them. Be especially careful with executable files (`.exe`, `.com`, `.bat`).
* **Use Kad Network:** The Kad network is a serverless network that can be used as an alternative to eMule servers. It’s generally more resistant to fake servers and other security threats. To enable the Kad network, go to the “Kad” tab in eMule and click “Bootstrap”.
* **IP Filter:** Use an IP filter to block known malicious IP addresses. You can download IP filter files from various sources (search online for “eMule IP filter”). Add the filter file in Options -> Security.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues you might encounter when adding and managing eMule servers, along with troubleshooting tips:
* **Cannot Connect to Any Servers:**
* **Firewall:** Make sure your firewall is not blocking eMule’s connections. Add eMule to your firewall’s exception list.
* **Router:** Your router may be blocking eMule’s ports. Forward the TCP and UDP ports that eMule uses to your computer’s IP address. You can find the port numbers in Options -> Connection.
* **Incorrect Server Settings:** Double-check that you have entered the correct server IP address and port number.
* **Outdated eMule Version:** Make sure you are using the latest version of eMule. Older versions may not be compatible with current servers.
* **Slow Download Speeds:**
* **Server Load:** The server you are connected to may be overloaded. Try connecting to a different server.
* **Low ID:** If you have a Low ID, your download speeds will be limited. A Low ID means that eMule cannot establish direct connections with other users. To fix this, you need to configure port forwarding in your router.
* **Limited Bandwidth:** Your internet connection may be too slow to support fast downloads. Close other applications that are using bandwidth.
* **Too Few Sources:** The file you are downloading may not have enough sources (users sharing the file). Try downloading a more popular file.
* **Frequent Disconnections:**
* **Unstable Server:** The server you are connected to may be unstable. Try connecting to a different server.
* **Network Issues:** You may be experiencing network connectivity issues. Check your internet connection and router settings.
* **Firewall/Router Problems:** Your firewall or router may be dropping eMule’s connections. Configure your firewall and router to allow eMule’s traffic.
* **Fake Files:**
* **Use a Server Filter:** A server filter can help you block fake servers that distribute fake files.
* **Check File Names:** Be wary of files with suspicious names or extensions.
* **Scan Files with Antivirus:** Always scan downloaded files with an antivirus program before opening them.
## Conclusion
Adding and managing eMule servers is essential for a positive file-sharing experience. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can build a healthy server list, avoid fake servers, and enjoy faster and more reliable downloads. Remember to always be cautious when adding servers and downloading files, and regularly update your server list and security settings to protect your system.