Solved Can't Make Windows Mail Default

Ex_Brit · Jan 17, 2009

I have managed to activate Windows Mail in W7 but can't seem to make it the default mail/news application.

Perhaps W7 needs alternate programs before it allows the default to be set?

I really wish Microsoft hadn't decided to ditch it as I can't stand Windows Live Mail - it's a nightmare when you have 9 email accounts like I do. Also it is great for their newsgroups.

Any comments?

limneos · Jan 17, 2009

Hello Ex_brit...

what is your current default mail client set to right now?

i'm sure we can do some tweaking...

Ex_Brit · Jan 17, 2009

I have no idea because it isn't even listed in "Default Programs". I don't have any other email client installed right now.

I was about to try my Incredimail Premium as it worked fine in the pre-beta versions.

fgdn17 · Jan 17, 2009

Ex_Brit said:
I have managed to activate Windows Mail in W7 but can't seem to make it the default mail/news application.

Perhaps W7 needs alternate programs before it allows the default to be set?

I really wish Microsoft hadn't decided to ditch it as I can't stand Windows Live Mail - it's a nightmare when you have 9 email accounts like I do. Also it is great for their newsgroups.

Any comments?

so enlighten us...how did you install it??

limneos · Jan 17, 2009

Yes, it works fine here too, that's what I've used so far in all 7 builds.

So you could try:

1. Install Incredimail or Windows Live so that it's set as default mail client, then go to Windows Mail and select from it's options that this is the default.

or

2. create an .eml file , right click - open with, select Windows mail and set it to be the default program for opening .eml files...

Please post back the result , i'm really curious and I dont have windows mail installed to test..

Mark · Jan 17, 2009

What version of Windows 7 are you using Peter, is it 32bit or 64bit, I am asking because I cant seem to get Mail to work at all in this build and the old tricks aren't working.

Ex_Brit · Jan 17, 2009

OK, I've installed Incredimail Premium and it works fine and is the default client. Windows Mail now allows itself to be set as the default email client if I wish.

It is still not the default news client...probably because it is the only news client installed...same reason as WM wouldn't set itself as the default mail client until I installed another program.

.eml files open with Incredimail OK but if I try to make it open with Windows Mail for some reason Adobe Reader tries to open it....weird to say the least.

Addendum: 32-bit.

Ex_Brit · Jan 17, 2009

fgdn17 said:
so enlighten us...how did you install it??

See: http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/323-windows-7-mail-2.html#post2017

garysgold · Jan 17, 2009

Ex_Brit said:
OK, I've installed Incredimail Premium and it works fine and is the default client. Windows Mail now allows itself to be set as the default email client if I wish.

It is still not the default news client...probably because it is the only news client installed...same reason as WM wouldn't set itself as the default mail client until I installed another program.

.eml files open with Incredimail OK but if I try to make it open with Windows Mail for some reason Adobe Reader tries to open it....weird to say the least.

Addendum: 32-bit.

This is the same problem I've had with all the 7 builds, 32 or 64 bit. Windows Mail is not listed anywhere as a possibility. I dislike Live mail and would love to continue using WM, but as it is you need to have another email client in order to open .eml files that are not in the WM folders or to open a send email button on a web page. You can click on the 'Make WM the default' button all you want. It won't change anything.

Please MS, give us Windows Mail back.

Gary

Jonmor68 · Jan 17, 2009

Maybe if enough people keep asking, then they might include a mail program into the final release.
Although this could be that the antitrust laws have been tightened, the EU is always threatening $MS about included programs being anti compatitive.

garysgold · Jan 17, 2009

We can only hope. I've sent feedback.

Gary

Ex_Brit · Jan 17, 2009

I've filed plenty of feedback re: this and the Sidebar and other things that I liked in Vista that have gone AWOL. Darned EU, I wonder if they ever ask the consumers what they want or is it all about Corporate greed.

djs · Jan 19, 2009

I've got Windows Mail working perfectly, after following the info found on the forums tutorials. With a slight difference for my 64 bit installations.

Don't forget to select, in folder options to show hidden files before doing this.

I booted into my Vista x64 partition
Deleted the Windows Mail folders in Windows 7 partition from
Program Files and Program Files (x86)

Copied the Windows Mail folders from the Vista installation,
Program files AND Program Files (x86) to the same folder locations in Windows 7 partition.

Boot into Windows 7, copy a shortcut from the Windows Mail folder in the Program Files (x86) folder to desktop ( or where ever) and the program runs correctly.

You can also copy the folder containing your mail from Vista.
Users, (your name,) AppData, Local, Microsoft, Windows Mail.
To the same location in Windows 7.

This folder I always keep a backup copy in case of corruption or a
re-format needed. You can then always return your Windows Mail to what it was originally.

I guess if you have the x86 32 bit installation you would only need to copy from the Program Files in Vista to the Program Files in Windows 7.

Hope this is of some help.
David.

Mark · Jan 19, 2009

Yes confirmed, this works for me too.

garysgold · Jan 19, 2009

I don't have Vista x64, so can't copy the folder from there. I actually haven't tried it since the public beta. Been trying to force myself to get used to Live Mail. It works, but I still don't like it.

Gary

djs · Jan 19, 2009

If you have an installation of Vista 32bit copy from there, just ignore the part of the info that refers to program files (x86)
The (x86) is NOT in the 32 bit installation only the 64 bit one.

garysgold · Jan 19, 2009

Tried it and now I get this.

I have taken ownership of folders and all files (one at a time) and have also given myself Full control of all files and folders. Tried a reboot. No joy. When I get the final version of W7 I will probably also get Office 2007 and will then use Outlook as that is the one I like most.

Gary

djs · Jan 20, 2009

garysgold, do you have a Vista installation ?
If so the instruction in the tutorials and how I've described worked perfectly.

The reason I copied from Vista whilst booted into Vista, is that I wasn't able to give myself enough elevated permission to be able to copy from within Windows 7.

Even after having Vista from day one, I still get caught by having to give permission copying and deleting files.
I understand the reason for the added security, but I much prefered having total control myself as in XP.

Mark · Jan 20, 2009

Hi Gary, I think that was the same error I was getting the first time I copied the file from Vista but the second time I tried to copy the files across it worked, not sure why but it worked.

garysgold · Jan 20, 2009

djs,

I have done this for 3 previous builds of 7, but can't seem to get it to work in 7000 x64. I'm thinking that the problem is that Vista is x86 and 7000 is x64.

Mr. GRiM,

Have to run for now so I'll give it another try when I get back and see what happens.

Gary

Solved Can't Make Windows Mail Default

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