Recovered files are empty

I use WinXp and Windows Live Mail

I've run a scan and it listed many 'Excellent' files plus some others in the 'Poor' category. I've selected several 'Excellent' quality files and clicked on the Recover button and saved the files but when I open them they are empty.

Any advice as to why apparently recoverable files are actually blank?

BTW if I just click on a file it opens in Outlook Express, I guess that's the default? I have tried 'Opening With' Windows Live Mail but no still luck.