The eDonkey (ed2k) P2P network

The eDonkey newtork (also known as eDonkey2000 or ed2k) is a P2P (Peer to Peer) network which is used for exchanging (swapping) files of arbitrary content. The content available on the eDonkey network includes music, movies, software etc. The files in the ed2k network are not stored on a central location. Instead they are directly exchanged between its users. The ed2k network servers are used only for locating peers that have the file you want to download.

The most popular programs that can be used to connect to the eDonkey network are the following:

• eMule: It runs on Windows and is distributed free of charge. It was created from dissatisfied users of eDonkey2000.
• eDonkey2000: The original program for participating in the ed2k network. It runs on Windows and comes in a free version with embedded ads and a non-free ad-free version.
• eMule+: An alternative version of eMule with enhanced user interface. It runs on Windows and is distributed free of charge.
• aMule: An eMule port that supports many more platforms in addition to Windows.
• MLdonkey: It runs on many more platforms in addition to Windows and also supports other P2P networks other than eDonkey.

How do I report illegal content on the ed2k network?

To report illegal content that you spotted on the ed2k network, you must unambiguously "describe" it. Since the ed2k network allows its user to rename their files without disrupting their sharing, describing the illegal content using its filename is inadequate. To effectively spot a file in the ed2k network, a special eDonkey link unique for every file is required. Also a link to a server where people sharing this file are connected helps for faster spotting the file in question.

Next we present a step by step example on how one can find the necessary links for making a report. The most popular program for connecting to the ed2k network is eMule. Thus, we will use eMule for our example. On each step of the example, we will show only the important part of the eMule window.

Note: You can see all of the eMule window by clicking on the image of each step.

Step 1 - A download has just finished

1. On the "Transfers" tab of eMule, information for the files you are currently downloading appear.
2. The files that have been downloaded completely, appear with a green progress bar.

Step 2 - Checking the content of a downloaded file

1. You can check the files you have downloaded in the "Incoming" folder, which is by default located in the installation folder of eMulee. The installetion folder of eMule is usually located in "C:\Program Files\" folder.
2. We realize that the file we downloaded is not as innocent as we thought and in fact it can be illegal. (For the sake of the example, we assume that Zorro pictures are illegal content.)

Step 3a - Getting the ed2k file link

1. We choose the "Shared Files" tab of eMule. On this tab, all the files that we have downloaded but not deleted appear.
2. We spot the file we wish to report on the list.

Step 3b - Getting the ed2k file link

1. We right click on the file that we wish to report.
2. From the context menu that appears, we choose "Details".

Step 3c - Getting the ed2k file link

1. We choose the "File Link" tab of the details window that appears.
2. We press the "Copy" button and we close the details window. The ed2k file link is now copied to the Windows clipboard, and can be pasted to the right field of the ed2k report page.

Step 4a - Getting the ed2k server link

1. We choose the "Servers" tab of eMule.
2. The server we are currently connected to, appears with blue letters.

Step 4b - Getting the ed2k server link

1. We right click on the server name that we are connected to.
2. From the context menu that appears, we choose "Copy ed2K Links". The ed2k server link is now copied to the Windows clipboard, and can be pasted to the right field of the ed2k report page.