Windows 7: Make default mail

I keep opening Windows Mail and it prompts me if I want it to be my default mail. I respond 'yes' all the time but it keeps asking. I went into default programs and Windows Mail is not there so I can't select it. I am running Windows 7. Help

Hello,

Make sure this is checked:

I did that. Then exited out, went back in and was asked again if I want to make it my default. It is as if Windows Live Mail has control over everything, it's mad I tell ya, just mad !!!

I went to run and typed winmail /reg and Windows could not find Windows Mail?

Windows Mail is no more- it has been replaced by Windows Live Mail in Windows 7, a component of Windows Live Essentials.

How long has this problem been going on? Might a system restore help?

System Restore

I know it was replaced, but I finally got it working along with Calendar. The last hurdle is to keep it as default. It is as if Windows refuses to recognize the program. I have it in /Programs and /Programs (86). I took ownership over both folders, that didn't do anything.

Wait, you're not using Windows Live Mail, but rather the old Windows Mail?

No, this is Windows Mail, and yes it is working with Windows 7 except it won't remain my default program. There must be something I can do in the registry? Windows 7 is running Winows Mail on here so there has to be a way to get it to recognize the program and make it default. It's taken a week to get this far - to get Windows Mail working. I prefer it because it comes with the calendar that actually has reminders.

Have you gone through all the steps in the Tutorial very carefully:
Windows Mail