This troubleshooting guide walks UK eM Client users through the symptoms, likely causes and fixes for eM Client Downgrade Problems. Each solution is ordered from most-common to more-advanced, with clear steps you can follow without technical background. If you are running eM Client on a UK business mailbox (Axigen via smartxhosting.uk, Exchange, Google Workspace or another provider), the steps below apply. For ongoing UK support, eM Client licences bought from smartxhosting.uk/email-client include priority UK-hours support.
When You Might Want to Downgrade · Why Downgrading Is Problematic · What Actually Happens When You Downgrade · Solution 1: Restore from Pre-Upgrade Backup · Solution 2: Fresh Install with IMAP Re-sync · Solution 3: Report the Issue Instead · FAQ
This section covers the practical aspects of em client downgrade problems in eM Client for UK users.
The feature is accessible from the main eM Client interface — typically via Menu → Settings or a dedicated toolbar button. Behaviour is consistent across Windows and macOS; minor visual differences exist but the underlying logic is identical. For UK SMEs using business mailboxes from smartxhosting.uk, this works with Axigen IMAP and CalDAV/CardDAV out of the box.
When integrating with UK compliance requirements, consider whether any data processed here falls under UK GDPR — if so, include it in your data inventory and retention schedule. For licences with UK VAT invoicing, see smartxhosting.uk/email-client.
Reasons this matters for UK users:
This section covers the practical aspects of em client downgrade problems in eM Client for UK users.
The feature is accessible from the main eM Client interface — typically via Menu → Settings or a dedicated toolbar button. Behaviour is consistent across Windows and macOS; minor visual differences exist but the underlying logic is identical. For UK SMEs using business mailboxes from smartxhosting.uk, this works with Axigen IMAP and CalDAV/CardDAV out of the box.
When integrating with UK compliance requirements, consider whether any data processed here falls under UK GDPR — if so, include it in your data inventory and retention schedule. For licences with UK VAT invoicing, see smartxhosting.uk/email-client.
This solution addresses one of the most common causes of the issue.
Safety note: Back up your database (File → Backup) before applying any repair or reset that modifies local data.
This solution addresses one of the most common causes of the issue.
Safety note: Back up your database (File → Backup) before applying any repair or reset that modifies local data.
This solution addresses one of the most common causes of the issue.
Safety note: Back up your database (File → Backup) before applying any repair or reset that modifies local data.
Q: How do I know if my issue is actually related to em client downgrade problems?
A: Check the symptoms described above. If eM Client behaves as described and workarounds match the cause, this guide applies. If the error message differs, check our other troubleshooting articles.
Q: Does this issue affect Windows, macOS or both?
A: Most eM Client issues affect both desktop platforms similarly. Where one platform is more commonly affected, we note it in the solutions.
Q: Will I lose e-mail data while troubleshooting?
A: Solutions based on re-sync (IMAP) pull data fresh from the server — nothing is lost. Database repair is also non-destructive. Back up (File → Backup) before running any advanced repair.
Q: Do I need to reinstall eM Client?
A: Rarely. Most issues resolve with configuration changes, re-sync or database repair. Full reinstall is the last resort after the other solutions fail.
Q: Does this apply if I bought eM Client from smartxhosting.uk?
A: Yes. Licences from smartxhosting.uk/email-client are identical to those sold directly — same software, same features, same troubleshooting. Smartxhosting.uk adds UK support, VAT invoicing and GBP pricing.
Q: Where can I get more help?
A: For UK-business users with licences from smartxhosting.uk, priority support is available through the client area. For general questions, the official eM Client knowledge base complements this guide.