How Do I Delete AOL As Default Email Client?

I use AOL mail in 9.7 AOL Desktop & I tried to set AOL as my default email client in the Win 7 Default Programs>Set Program Access And Computer Defaults>Associations/Protocols. There was only 1 "Protocol" showing for AOL Software namely "Mail To" so I checked it.

I did this because more websites are showing live links to email addresses (rather than the address) and whenever I clicked on the link to get the address it would only give a message "no email client" and I could not get the actual address.

Now whenever I click on an email link on a web page my browser starts opening an infinite number of new windows/tabs. I tried to go back into the Default Programs an uncheck AOL as the Protocol but it's greyed out (in the Custom drop down which is the only place I can even see it) and does not let me undo it. How can I undo this and delete AOL as the "Mail To" [URL: AOL Resource ID AOL Software" Protocol; (which is the only protocol that shows). I prefer to have no email client to what's happening now.

When I go to Associations & Protocols I do not see AOL Software listed for any File Type Extension nor do I see the "Mail To" Protocol listed under the list of Protocols at the end of the File Association & Protocols so I cant click on anything to make a change. HELP !!

Hi and welcome to SevenForums,
See if this unscrambles the machine,
Default Programs - Associate a File Type or Protocol

Hi sorry the file extensions link on the tutorial is here I would use the batch reset for all windows 7 file type associations and see if it had any positive effects,

Also if you go to set your default programs instead of Associate a file type or protocol with a program is aol listed as a installed program ?

The default would be either Office Outlook or live mail depending on which you have installed,
Double check it if you wouldn't mind,
Start/ Default programs/ Set your default programs.

Go back to default programs,
This time go to Set program access and computer defaults,
Custom section drop down arrow,
If aol is listed Uncheck the box to Enable access to this program,
This should be selectable if not take a screen shot of the listings,

Outside of system restore to an earlier time before you altered the settings ?
Have you contacted aol ?
Cheers.

Thanks for the screen shot very weird,
I would suggest considering downloading a email program to straighten out the settings,
Windows essentials 2012 is free and you might already have it installed,
Click Start and All Programs,
Near the bottom of the list there might be a Windows Live or Windows essentials folder,
If not please download it from here,
Pick your language and there are some useful programs included in the package use the recommended install,
Or the Custom install and just the ones you want at this point Mail/ Photo gallery and Movie maker are my recommends
Windows Essentials download options - Free Email, Instant Messaging, and Photo Editing Software from Microsoft

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-live/mail-add-email-account-faq

Hi,
The only way I know how to remove a listing from protocols or file types for that matter is to Browser for another program to associate it with ?
This is why downloading windows essentials 2012 is needed in my opinion,
Then review how to add a email address to the new program,
Then the help/ support email links on websites might actually work as expected

You can also I believe I already posted this but you can uninstall aol toolbar or the program you associated the protocol with ?
Cheers.