Keep Your eMule Flying High: A Comprehensive Guide to Updating Your Server List

eMule, a venerable peer-to-peer file-sharing application, remains a favorite for many despite the rise of newer technologies. Its robust network, particularly the Kad network, offers access to a vast library of files. However, the traditional eDonkey server network, crucial for connecting to many sources, relies on a server list. These lists are not static; they need regular updates to maintain functionality and ensure you’re connected to reliable, active servers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of updating your eMule server list, ensuring smooth downloads and a healthy eMule experience.

Why Update Your eMule Server List?

Before we dive into the ‘how,’ let’s explore the ‘why.’ The eDonkey server network is a distributed network of servers that act as hubs, facilitating connections between users. These servers can become outdated, inactive, or even malicious. Here’s why keeping your server list updated is critical:

• Access to Active Servers: Older server lists often contain defunct or overloaded servers. Updating ensures you connect to servers that are actively supporting the network and providing a good connection for downloads.
• Improved Download Speeds: Connecting to less congested servers will often lead to better download speeds. Active servers with more users uploading will contribute to a smoother and faster experience.
• Security: Some servers may be malicious, designed to track users or spread malware. Regularly updating your list from reputable sources helps avoid connecting to these harmful servers.
• Finding More Sources: A good server list will increase the number of users you can connect to, providing more sources for the files you are downloading and improving completion rates.
• Maintaining a Healthy Network: By connecting to active servers and contributing to the eDonkey network, you are helping to maintain the health of this distributed sharing system.

Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your eMule Server List

Now, let’s delve into the practical steps of updating your eMule server list. There are a few reliable methods, and we’ll cover the most common and effective ones:

Method 1: Updating from a Server List URL

This is arguably the easiest and most common method. It involves obtaining a link (URL) to a frequently updated server list and inputting it into eMule. Here’s how:

1. Find a Reliable Server List URL: This is the most crucial step. You need to find a reputable website that maintains an active and safe server list. A quick search using terms like “eMule server list URL,” “eDonkey server list”, or “eMule server list updates” will yield numerous options. Some popular and trustworthy sources include:
2. Peerates.net: Often mentioned as a reliable source for ed2k server lists.
3. Emule-project.net: The official website of eMule, often provides helpful links and updated information.
4. Other forums and communities: Look for active forums dedicated to eMule where users share up-to-date lists. Be wary of sources that look unofficial or haven’t been updated recently.

Caution: Always be cautious when using server lists from unknown or untrusted sources. Malicious servers can potentially be present. Stick to well-known websites and active eMule communities to get lists that are consistently vetted by other users.

Important Note: Please note that since the nature of these links are volatile and the sites sometimes disappear, I can not give you an active server list. It is your job to find them from the resources above or other eMule dedicated forums.

5. Copy the Server List URL: Once you’ve found a trustworthy URL, copy it to your clipboard. Make sure it starts with `http://` or `https://` and often ends with a `.met` extension.
6. Open eMule: Launch your eMule application.
7. Navigate to the Server Tab: In the main eMule interface, click on the “Servers” tab. This tab usually displays all your currently configured servers.
8. Paste the URL: Look for a small input field, usually labeled “Update server.met from URL.” It’s often located towards the left or top side of the server tab. Paste the URL you copied in step 2 into this field.
9. Click the “Update” Button: Next to the input field, there should be a button labeled “Update,” “Update list,” or something similar. Click this button.
10. Wait for the Update: eMule will download the new server list from the URL you provided. This process might take a few seconds or a minute depending on your internet connection.
11. Verify the Update: Once the update is complete, you’ll see new servers added to your list. Pay attention to the server count. If the list was a large and updated one, you’ll likely see a significant increase in the number of servers. Check if they are marked as active and responding to pings.
12. Test the Connection: Now, try to connect to a few of the new servers. Click on a server in the list and select ‘Connect’. It should quickly display the number of users on that server. If you receive errors, try again or check your firewall configuration and that the server is online.

Method 2: Importing a Server List File

This method involves downloading a server list file (usually a file with a `.met` extension) from a reliable source and manually importing it into eMule. While slightly more involved than using a URL, it can be a good alternative if you’re unable to use URLs or have a specific server list file you trust.

1. Download the Server List File: Similar to the previous method, you need to find a trusted source for server lists. Instead of a URL, look for a downloadable `.met` file. Download it to your computer, and remember its location.
2. Open eMule: Start your eMule application.
3. Navigate to the Server Tab: Go to the “Servers” tab, as in the previous method.
4. Import the File: Look for a button or option labeled “Load server.met” or “Import from file.” The exact wording might vary depending on your eMule version. Click this button.
5. Browse and Select the File: A file explorer window will open, allowing you to browse your computer’s files. Navigate to the location where you downloaded the `.met` file. Select the file and click “Open” or “Import.”
6. Wait for the Import: eMule will now import the server list from the selected file. This might take a few seconds.
7. Verify the Import: After importing, your server list will be populated with new servers. Check the number of servers added and if they are active as done in the previous method.
8. Test the Connection: Attempt to connect to the newly imported servers. If you see errors, check your network settings and try with another server.

Method 3: Using a Server List Update Service

Some third-party tools or websites offer services that automatically update eMule server lists. These often provide a constantly updated list, potentially freeing you from having to manually find and import lists. However, be cautious when using these services, as not all are equally reliable, and some might even be harmful. If you choose to use such a service, research it thoroughly first and only use the software from trustworthy developers.

Here is how one would generally use it:

1. Find a reputable service: Use forums and other users’ recommendation to find a trustworthy server list update service.
2. Download and Install the software: Most of these services come in the form of a small program. Download and install to the relevant location.
3. Configure the software: Follow the instructions given by the developer to correctly install it and connect it with your current eMule setup.
4. Activate the update: Once activated, it will usually update your server list with a good and reliable one.
5. Test the connection: Similar to previous methods, test the connection with new servers.

Tips for Maintaining an Updated and Safe Server List

Updating your server list isn’t a one-time task. To ensure a smooth eMule experience, follow these best practices:

• Update Regularly: Server lists change frequently. Aim to update your server list at least once a week, or more often if you notice connection issues or slow downloads.
• Remove Inactive Servers: Periodically check your server list and delete inactive or dead servers. A long list of unresponsive servers can clutter things and slow down your connection attempts.
• Prioritize Reliable Servers: Some servers are more stable and active than others. Pay attention to server pings and the number of users online. Prioritize the servers that offer good performance. You can mark your favorite servers in eMule for easy connection.
• Be Wary of Suspicious Servers: If you encounter servers with unusually high user counts or strange names, be cautious and consider removing them from your list. These servers may be fake or malicious.
• Backup Your Server List: Before making major changes to your list, create a backup. This will help you restore the previous state if something goes wrong. Usually, the server list is stored as `server.met` and `server.met.bak` in eMule’s config folder.
• Use Firewalls and Antivirus Software: Make sure your firewall and antivirus software are enabled and updated. They can protect you from malicious servers and any potential threats coming through the eDonkey network.
• Use Kad Network: Although the eDonkey servers are important, the Kad network is more stable and decentralized, and it’s often faster for downloads. Make sure you have the Kad network enabled in eMule, with the `nodes.dat` updated.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While updating your server list is usually straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

• Can’t Connect to Any Server:
• Check Your Firewall: Make sure your firewall isn’t blocking eMule. You might need to add eMule as an exception in your firewall settings.
• Check your Router: Some routers need special configuration to allow proper port mapping. Check your router manual on how to forward ports for eMule.
• Verify Internet Connection: Make sure you have an active and stable internet connection.
• Try Different Servers: The problem might be related to the server being down. Try a different server.
• Update your server list: A server list that is too old might not have the working servers in your region.
• Slow Download Speeds:
• Connect to More Sources: If you have very few sources, downloads will be slow. Try searching for files with more available sources or wait a little bit to find more users that share the same file.
• Prioritize Active Servers: Connect to servers that have low ping and high number of users.
• Check your Internet Speed: Check your internet connection speed with websites like speedtest.net or your own ISP.
• Check your eMule settings: Adjust upload and download limits if they are impacting your network capabilities.
• Error Messages During Update:
• Invalid URL or File: Double-check that you have entered the correct URL and file, and the file is in the correct format.
• Server Errors: The server from which you’re downloading the list may be temporarily down. Try again later or try another source.
• Proxy issues: If you use a proxy, check that the proxy settings in eMule are correctly set up.
• Malicious Server Warnings: If eMule warns about a malicious server, remove it immediately and always consider using other sources to avoid those servers in the future.

Conclusion

Keeping your eMule server list updated is paramount for a smooth and secure file-sharing experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure you’re connecting to active, reliable, and safe servers, improving download speeds and maintaining a healthy eDonkey network connection. Remember to update regularly, remove dead servers, and prioritize trustworthy sources for your server lists. With a little patience and diligence, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of eMule for years to come.

This guide should provide a comprehensive reference on updating eMule server lists, and it is important to always remember to be cautious of unreliable server sources.