eMule MET Viewer vs. Alternatives: Which Tool Is Best for MET Files?eMule MET files store metadata about eMule (and other eDonkey network) downloads — pieces information, file size, sources, and progress — and are indispensable when you need to inspect, recover, or migrate incomplete downloads. Several tools can open, analyze, and edit MET files. This article compares eMule MET Viewer to popular alternatives, explains how MET files work, and helps you choose the best tool for common tasks: viewing, repairing, extracting source lists, and migrating download state.
What is a MET file?
A MET file accompanies an eMule download and contains metadata the client needs to continue or resume a transfer. Typical fields include:
- file name and size
- hash (file ID) and AICH hash fragments
- completed parts / progress map
- list of known sources (IP:port or contact identifiers)
- last active timestamps and source reliability data
Because MET files contain the state of a download, they’re useful for:
- recovering partially downloaded files after a client crash
- importing download state into another client or machine
- extracting source lists to re-seed or re-attempt downloads
- debugging inconsistent or corrupted downloads
Common tasks you’ll want to perform with MET files
- Quick inspection of metadata (file name, size, file ID)
- View progress map to identify which parts are missing
- Export or edit known sources (IP:port list)
- Repair or rebuild a corrupt MET file when eMule won’t load it
- Convert or import MET data into other clients or tools
Tools compared
Below are tools commonly used to open or manage MET files:
| Tool | Primary function | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| eMule MET Viewer | Dedicated viewer/editor for MET files | Designed specifically for MET files, shows progress map, source lists, exportable data, straightforward UI | May be Windows-centric; limited integration with other P2P clients |
| eMule (official client) | Full eDonkey/eMule client that reads METs directly | Native handling of MET files, automatic resume and source management | Heavy-weight if you only need metadata; must match client version for best compatibility |
| METFileEditor (third-party) | Editor focused on repairing/editing MET content | Direct editing and repair tools, can fix certain corruptions | Variable quality/maintenance; trust & security concerns |
| Hex/text editors (e.g., HxD) | Low-level inspection and manual edit | Universal availability, no special tool required | Risky: binary edits can corrupt the file; requires format knowledge |
| Community scripts/utilities | Small scripts to extract source lists or convert formats | Flexible, automatable, good for batch tasks | Often platform-specific, maintenance varies |
eMule MET Viewer: strengths and typical use-cases
- Specialized for MET files: It parses MET structures and presents fields in human-readable form — file ID, size, sources, progress/part map.
- Visual progress map: See which chunks are complete or missing, useful for planning recovery.
- Exportable source lists: Extract IP:port lists to feed other clients or to test in bulk.
- Repair features: Some viewers allow rebuilding or repairing common metadata issues.
- Safety: Because it focuses solely on metadata, there’s less risk of triggering network activity or altering download state unintentionally.
Best when:
- You only need to inspect or export MET metadata.
- You’re troubleshooting why an incomplete file won’t resume.
- You want a lightweight, read-only or read-first tool.
Alternatives: when to use them
- eMule (official client): Use when you want to actually resume downloads, reconnect to the network, and let the client manage sources. Also preferred when the MET file must be preserved in the exact format for the client to read it.
- METFileEditor / repair utilities: Use when MET metadata is corrupted and requires manual rebuild or detailed editing beyond what a viewer offers.
- Hex editor: Use only if you understand the binary structure or when no other tool is available. Useful for forensics but dangerous for routine fixes.
- Scripts / command-line tools: Use for batch processing, extracting source lists from many MET files, or converting metadata for import into other P2P tools.
Compatibility and safety considerations
- Version compatibility: eMule and MET formats evolved; older/newer MET file variants may not be fully compatible with every viewer/editor. When migrating, prefer the same major client version where possible.
- Back up first: Always make a copy of the .met file and corresponding partial data (.part) before editing. A single mistaken edit can render a download unrecoverable.
- Privacy & security: MET files can contain IP addresses of peers. Treat them like potentially sensitive data if you plan to share extracted source lists. Avoid running untrusted third-party MET editors without code review or a reputable source.
Practical workflow examples
- Quick inspection and export (viewer):
- Open .met in eMule MET Viewer
- Check file ID, size, and part map
- Export source list to CSV or plain text
- Feed exported IP:port list to another client or batch tester
- Recovering a stuck download (official client):
- Place .met and corresponding .part/part.met files into eMule’s incoming folder
- Start eMule and let it re-index; if version mismatch prevents loading, export source list from viewer and add new download manually in eMule using file ID/links
- Repairing a corrupt MET (editor):
- Backup files
- Use METFileEditor to attempt structural repair (rebuild part map or re-insert missing headers)
- Load repaired MET in viewer or client and verify integrity
Which tool is best?
- For reading, analyzing, exporting metadata, and low-risk repairs: eMule MET Viewer is the best choice because it’s purpose-built and presents information clearly.
- For resuming actual downloads and full client management: the official eMule client is best.
- For complex corruption repair or batch conversions: consider a dedicated editor or scripts, but use them cautiously and back up first.
Final recommendations
- Keep a small toolkit: eMule MET Viewer for inspection/export, official eMule for resuming downloads, and a trusted MET editor or scripts for occasional repairs or batch work.
- Always back up any MET/.part files before editing.
- If privacy is a concern, avoid uploading MET files or extracted source lists to untrusted services.
If you want, I can:
- Provide step-by-step commands to extract sources from a MET file you upload,
- Show how to back up and safely test MET edits, or
- Recommend specific viewers/editors (Windows/Linux) with download links and quick usage notes.
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