Windows 7 - Windows Mail

   Information

This will show you how to reinstate and enable Windows Mail into Windows 7 to be able to use it in Windows 7.

   Note

Credit for this updated version goes to our member Poppa Bear.

   Tip

General Notes

1. When Windows Mail is first run it should prompt to set Windows Mail as default. If there are any problems setting it as default the following post may help here. In association with this post, it may help to run the attachment SetWinMailDefault.zip.

2. In some environments, having Windows Live Mail installed may cause conflicts, so it may be necessary to remove it.

1. Download and run the attachment: WinMailEdit.zip.

   Warning

It is critical to do this before carrying out steps (3) & (4). This auto exe file edits the registry to allow .eml files to be opened on the desktop; removes the WinMail splash screen at start-up; and resolves various conflicts.

2. Remove WinMail.exe attributes to view hidden files.

A) Open: Start Menu ==> All Programs ==> Accessories ==> Run.

B) Type the following code exactly as shown, (or highlight, copy and paste it), into the Run Command box; and then click "OK":

Code:

attrib -s -h "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Mail\WinMail.exe"

3. In Windows Mail folder, take full control of the file "msoe.dll" as follows.

   Warning

If running 64bit Windows 7, before carrying out this step, read "Footnote 3" below.

A) Download and install Take Ownership to add it.

B) Open: Start Orb ==> Computer ==> C: Drive ==> Program Files ==> Windows Mail folder ==> Right click: "msoe.dll" file ==> In drop down menu click: Take Ownership.

*Note 1: If WinMail.exe file is not visible in Windows Mail folder, then apply "Footnote 4" below.

*Note 2: Before proceeding to Step 4, copy and save "msoe.dll" file as back-up for safety.

4. Download and save the appropriate Vista Windows Mail "msoe.dll" file from the following attachments:

• 32bit msoe.dll:

• 64bit msoe.dll:

A) Open Windows Mail Folder in Windows 7 Program files ==> Paste the Vista "msoe.dll" into it, replacing the existing Windows 7 "msoe.dll".

*Note: If it will not allow the paste, take full control of the Windows 7 "msoe.dll" manually as per "Footnote 1" below, and then paste.

B) Right click: WinMail.exe ==> Send to desktop as a shortcut.

*Note: If email .eml files still cannot be opened on the desktop, it may be necessary to manually edit the registry as per "Footnote 2"

5. To enable Windows Calendar in Windows Mail.

Go to tutorial in this forum.

6. To import Contacts, Accounts, Folders & Emails.

From Vista to Windows 7, go to this post.

   Note

Footnotes

1. Manually take full control of files.

• Right click the file "msoe.dll" ==> Properties ==> Security Tab ==> Advanced ==> Owner Tab ==> Edit ==> Highlight User Name ==> Apply ==> OK ==> OK
• Under "Security Tab" click: Edit ==> Under "Group or user names", the first entry is highlighted.
• Under "Permissions for System", tick: "Full Control" ==> Apply ==> Do the same for every entry ==> OK ==> Close.
  *Note: If the option to edit the entries under "Group or user names" is grayed out, take the following steps:
• Under "Security" tab click: "Advanced" ==> "Change Permissions" ==> Untick: "Include inheritable permissions from this objects parents" ==> Click: "Add" in the pop-up window ==> Apply ==> OK.
• Return to the security tab and edit to grant full control as shown above.

2. Manually edit the following registry key if SP1 is installed.

• Start Menu ==> All Programs ==> Accessories ==> Run ==> Type: Regedit ==> OK
• Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER ==> Software ==> Classes ==> eml_auto_file ==> shell ==> open ==> command
• Double click: Default (in right pane) ==> Value Data ==> Completely replace by copying and pasting the following exactly as shown:
• "C:\Program Files\Windows Mail\winmail.exe" /eml:%1

3. For 64bit Windows 7 Installations.

In 64bit Windows 7 installations there are two sets of program files . It is essential to copy and paste the 64bit Vista Windows Mail file "msoe.dll" into the Windows Mail folder in the normal Program Files. The same applies when importing 64bit Windows Calendar - See Step 5.

Do NOT import it to the 32bit Windows Mail folder in Program Files(x86). Click on picture below to expand and see location of program files.

4. Manually show hidden files

• Go to: Start Orb ==> Computer ==> C: Drive ==> Program Files ==> Open: Windows Mail ==> Top Task Bar ==> Tools ==> Drop down menu ==> Folder Options ==> View Tab
• Dot: Show hidden files, folders...
• Untick: Hide empty drives... Hide extensions... Hide protected operating...
• In response to the warning click: Yes ==> Apply ==> OK.
• After all the steps are done, restore default view settings.