Windows Mail

How to Reinstate Windows Mail in Windows 7​

   Warning

Microsoft no longer supports Windows Mail, aka WinMail. It's recommended you use another well known supported email client. This Tutorial is for Advanced users who importantly have the Technical Ability to make the changes, have backups of everything including your OS, and to be your own tech support for WinMail going forward. If you decide to complete this tutorial you accept the fact that you are using WinMail as-is. It might be necessary to uninstall other email clients to resolve any WinMail conflicts in some environments. Understand it's likely that new OS updates from Microsoft will break WinMail's operation, and to fix make it necessary to rerun the tutorial again to reinstate it. With those things in mind, this tutorial was written so that you can rerun it without affecting WinMail user data.
Please see this Errata (Bug List) post before you install, to be aware of the current information about known issues using WinMail within Windows 7, these issues are programmatic and in most cases cannot be resolved by this tutorial, and will never be fixed.

Having said all of that disclaimer, if you have the technical ability, and can put up with the annoying minor byproduct bugs, then like so many of us still enjoy using WinMail on Windows 7 ...ymmv!

   Tip

As of January, 2025, the instructions given here supersede all other instructions given in forthcoming older posts. Realize some of the posts that follow are over 16 years old, and many of the link pointers within have become mislinked over time, many of the files or information within them is outdated, incomplete, or superseded with more accurate information - and so be careful. However you can always be sure that the latest info from all research is incorporated into this tutorial post, and its downloads are the latest available. This post is continuously kept up-to-date, and so..
...Always refer to this Tutorial post for the very latest updated information

This is the 4th iteration of the Windows 7, WinMail tutorial.

The process of this tutorial Will Not work to reinstate WinMail on Windows 8/10 !
Windows 8/10 users please go Here

Start here

1. Download tutorial package TutReWinMail.zip
   
   Download
   
   
2. Extract the TutReWinMail.zip into your user Downloads folder
   • Note: Be sure once extracted this is the address of the ''TutReWinMail'' folder:
   • C:\Users\username\Downloads\TutReWinMail... ... (if it's not there please put it there)
3. Navigate to your user Downloads\TutReWinMail folder to be sure the above is correct.
   • (..if you need more verbose install instructions to follow, download this WinMail Local Tutorial.zip)
   • Advanced Users can proceed below:

     ---

     (..log in for Full Access, being able to get support, remove ads, like, and even to post, etc..)

Advanced Users: ..use this easy excellent overview of the steps in the local tutorial:

• Open an Administrator Command Prompt. (screenshot showing in Administrator mode)
• copy/paste this line into the command prompt: cd %USERPROFILE%\Downloads\TutReWinMail\
• Your command prompt must now be showing you are at That Same Folder Address ..which contains the tutorial files that the batch file in the next step executes programs and copies files specifically from that folder address - if it's not there the batch file will fail since it cannot find what it needs!
• Next type in either winmail32 or win64mail <matching OS bit, to interactively process These Next Steps
• If you've finished to the bottom as shown in last screenshot, restart your machine (sets registry)
• Create a shortcut from WinMail.exe to your Desktop
• Open WinMail - it may prompt you one (or both) of These Two Notices ..click yes, and okay.
• They now should be already set, but you can manually check/set at any time These Default Settings
• That's pretty much all there is to it, and from here you setup the rest of the Windows Mail client (aka: WinMail) as normal within its various tab menus for Accounts, Options, Layout, etc, etc, to suit your individual needs.
• Lastly, but should be the First thing you do, is to Create A WinMail Backup (new version) ..Go to this next link and when you get there scroll down to the heading: Backup/Restore Procedures for further instructions.

   Information

See How to open an elevated Administrator Command Prompt
Important: The exact text provided by the tutorial must be entered into the Administrator Command Prompt.
Hint: to avoid typos, copy/paste the entire line containing the command into the Command Prompt window.
Also see: How to Enable Copy to Clipboard from the Windows 7 Command Prompt

---

Every effort has been made to make this a step-by-step process, however, it is beyond the scope of a single tutorial to provide information on every command or concept. Search the Main Tutorial Section if you need greater detail on a concept or command presented in this tutorial.

Good luck, and long live WinMail

   Note

Made possible by members:
Mark (aka Mr GRiM) - provided the original tutorial
Poppa Bear - continued Mark's work within the 2nd version
endeavor - provided continuous feedback, changes, invaluable testing instrumental to tutorial operations
EKManitis - propose the batch code that made operations easier
Slartybart - updated, tested, and consolidated all of the above into the 3rd version
endeavor - reviewed, updated, tested, and incorporated all of the above into this 4th version
...and also a special thanks to All the other members who presented discovery for this project

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Backup/Restore Messages in Windows Mail (Vista version)
  
• Windows Calendar - Import into Windows 7
• Vista Windows Sidebar - Reinstate on Windows 7
• Windows Live Mail - Import Windows Mail Messages
• Windows Live Mail - Import Windows 7 and Vista Contacts

 

[Wii Master 64]

Fixing mailto and the Default Programs issues....

OK folks...this does work because I've tried it. Once you have Windows Mail working (sort of) using the above tutorial you need to make it the default mail program (even if it's the ONLY one!) and to appear in Default Programs...this reg fix does it.
I borrowed this from THIS post. Thanks to Tangentjohn.
Take everything BETWEEN the quotes, make it a text file, then change the extension to .reg or just "Save As" select All Files at the bottom and save as winmail1.reg or winmail2.reg - whatever you choose. NOTE: You will have to re-enter the passwords for your outgoing and incoming mail servers in the account settings.

By in between the quotes, do you mean anything that is between any quotes at all? Also, does this work with 32 bit?

 

[RA5C]

Fixing mailto and the Default Programs issues....

OK folks...this does work because I've tried it. Once you have Windows Mail working (sort of) using the above tutorial you need to make it the default mail program (even if it's the ONLY one!) and to appear in Default Programs...this reg fix does it.
I borrowed this from THIS post. Thanks to Tangentjohn.
Take everything BETWEEN the quotes, make it a text file, then change the extension to .reg or just "Save As" select All Files at the bottom and save as winmail1.reg or winmail2.reg - whatever you choose. NOTE: You will have to re-enter the passwords for your outgoing and incoming mail servers in the account settings.

By in between the quotes, do you mean anything that is between any quotes at all? Also, does this work with 32 bit?

From original post:

NOTE: You will have to re-enter the passwords for your outgoing and incoming mail servers in the account settings.
"


See he quote marks under the red text? Everything between it and the very last quote marks in the reg file.

Yes, it worked on my 32bit system.

 

[Ex_Brit]

Fixing mailto and the Default Programs issues....

OK folks...this does work because I've tried it. Once you have Windows Mail working (sort of) using the above tutorial you need to make it the default mail program (even if it's the ONLY one!) and to appear in Default Programs...this reg fix does it.
I borrowed this from THIS post. Thanks to Tangentjohn.
Take everything BETWEEN the quotes, make it a text file, then change the extension to .reg or just "Save As" select All Files at the bottom and save as winmail1.reg or winmail2.reg - whatever you choose. NOTE: You will have to re-enter the passwords for your outgoing and incoming mail servers in the account settings.

By in between the quotes, do you mean anything that is between any quotes at all? Also, does this work with 32 bit?

Starting with Windows and ending with 00

Fixing mailto and the Default Programs issues....

OK folks...this does work because I've tried it. Once you have Windows Mail working (sort of) using the above tutorial you need to make it the default mail program (even if it's the ONLY one!) and to appear in Default Programs...this reg fix does it.
I borrowed this from THIS post. Thanks to Tangentjohn.
Take everything BETWEEN the quotes, make it a text file, then change the extension to .reg or just "Save As" select All Files at the bottom and save as winmail1.reg or winmail2.reg - whatever you choose. NOTE: You will have to re-enter the passwords for your outgoing and incoming mail servers in the account settings.

By in between the quotes, do you mean anything that is between any quotes at all? Also, does this work with 32 bit?

From original post:

NOTE: You will have to re-enter the passwords for your outgoing and incoming mail servers in the account settings.
"


See he quote marks under the red text? Everything between it and the very last quote marks in the reg file.

Yes, it worked on my 32bit system.

Good!

 

[Wii Master 64]

It didn't work...

 

[gregory7]

4. Go to the same folder in Vista and copy it

Hello,

I recently upgraded my wifes laptop to windows 7 premium 64 and discovered that windows mail was gone. I found your fix and need a little information on step "4. Go to the same folder in Vista and copy it" I'm not sure of where to find the vista files you are refering to. Are they still on the system I just upgraded, and if so where do I look. If not where do I download a copy of them. Note I still have vista 32 bit on my other laptop if that is a help. Your time and attention to this request is appreciated.
Greg

 

[Wii Master 64]

The files you are looking for are in the Windows.old folder. Then go to program files and take ownership of the Windows Mail folder. Copy and paste like said in the tutorial. Also, if you want to bring all the messages from Vista back, then follow this folder path: C:/Windows.old -> Users -> profilename -> AppData -> Local -> Microsoft -> Windows Mail -> Local Folders and choose whatever folder you want to import from. Then hit ctrl A to highlight all, and copy and paste to the same location, just without the windows.old. That should do it!

 

[the athlete]

Windows Mail - lost on windows 7 upgrade

have updated from vista to 7 home premium and windows mail is gone. i did not take any steps to save my email files / program before doing the upgrade.

tried to follow the tutorial but failed at the first step!!

Just download and open the zip file below, and right click on the extracted .reg file and click on merge.

when i right click on the on .reg file "Installtakeownership" i do not get the option to "merge".

a file is saved under my user account in a local drive but nothing seems to happen?

please help re: what am i doing wrong to get windows mail back up and running

also, will all my emails that i had previously saved in windows mail be lost - or if they can be recovered how is this done???

 

[gregory7]

Thank You So Much, As I just received your update I will have to forward it to a few friends who want to keep windows mail. Last night I downloaded windows mail live and the first time I opened it, it found the windows mail folder and automatically imported the default email account and message's. I was shocked to find out that windows live mail would run both my wife's email address at the same time & keep them separate. This is something I have wanted ever since MS did away with OE and multi-identities. Still, your Take Ownership script will be something I will hang on to & use in the future. VSS "Very Slick Stuff" Thanks Again

 

[mileslb]

Mr. GRiM...

I am not in a position to test this out, but I am like many other here, wishing I had Windows Mail on my Windows 7 machine. If I have my original Windows Vista disk, is there not a way to "expand" the files from that disk, into the Win 7 files and "voila"....Windows Mail?

After backing-up all the proper files/folders first, of course.

Perhaps another guide for those that have their Vista Disk available?

Thanks,

Miles

 

[jonesnewton]

Thank You So Much, As I just received your update I will have to forward it to a few friends who want to keep windows mail. Last night I downloaded windows mail live and the first time I opened it, it found the windows mail folder and automatically imported the default email account and message's. I was shocked to find out that windows live mail would run both my wife's email address at the same time & keep them separate. This is something I have wanted ever since MS did away with OE and multi-identities. Still, your Take Ownership script will be something I will hang on to & use in the future. VSS "Very Slick Stuff" Thanks Again

Hey let us into your secret update above.
I have much the same problems as you have, so could it be posted on here?

Thanks.
Neil

 

[gregory7]

Orginal Soulution
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/5481-windows-mail.html

question:
I recently upgraded my wifes laptop to windows 7 premium 64 and discovered that windows mail was gone. I found your fix and need a little information on step "4. Go to the same folder in Vista and copy it" I'm not sure of where to find the vista files you are refering to. Are they still on the system I just upgraded, and if so where do I look. If not where do I download a copy of them. Note I still have vista 32 bit on my other laptop if that is a help. Your time and attention to this request is appreciated.
Greg

Reply
The files you are looking for are in the Windows.old folder. Then go to program files and take ownership of the Windows Mail folder. Copy and paste like said in the tutorial. Also, if you want to bring all the messages from Vista back, then follow this folder path: C:/Windows.old -> Users -> profilename -> AppData -> Local -> Microsoft -> Windows Mail -> Local Folders and choose whatever folder you want to import from. Then hit ctrl A to highlight all, and copy and paste to the same location, just without the windows.old. That should do it!

reply
Thank You So Much, As I just received your update I will have to forward it to a few friends who want to keep windows mail. Last night I downloaded windows mail live and the first time I opened it, it found the windows mail folder and automatically imported the default email account and message's. I was shocked to find out that windows live mail would run both my wife's email address at the same time & keep them separate. This is something I have wanted ever since MS did away with OE and multi-identities. Still, your Take Ownership script will be something I will hang on to & use in the future. VSS "Very Slick Stuff" Thanks Again

Please note I never restored windows mail from the upgrade to windows 7. Once I downloaded windows live mail and opened it the first time and it imported all the windows mail settings and messages I looked no further. After using windows mail live for a couple of days I have no desire to ever return to windows mail. FYI windows mail live will work all the way back to XP SP2, I loaded it with easy on my XP machine and it will run side by side with outlook express at the same time. go here for the down load: Mail - Windows Live Also download the photo gallery while your at it as windows 7 dosn't have that either. Good Luck

 

[myzr7]

I agree with gregory7 I tried WLM and liked it. Its been on all of my 7 installs since Beta.

 

[poppa bear]

Take ownership

For some unknown reason when I "took ownership" of Windows Mail in Windows 7 Ulitmate, it still would not let me delete the program and replace it with Win Mail Vista, nor would it let me copy/paste Win Mail Vista files.

I had to manually take full control of each file/folder in Win Mail (Win7), and only then could it be copied/deleted and replaced with Win Mail (Vista). Taking full control manually is long and repetitive, requiring quite a number of steps which can vary for different files/folders.

The other problem was that .eml email files saved to the desktop or a storage folder could not be opened.

After a lot of research in different environments, I did a guide in Techspot Forum detailing step by step how to:

1. Import Win Mail Vista to Win7.

2. Enable .eml files to be opened on Win7 desktop.

This is a link to that guide here.

For those who have installed Win7 as a stand alone, and not upgrade from Vista, and wish to extract the Win Mail program folder from Vista, one solution, once Win7 is installed on your PC, is to use the Win7 partition manager to shrink the existing partition containing Win7, create a new partition in the free space and instal a bare-bones copy of Vista on the new partition. In my own case I have WinXP Pro, Vista Ult and Win7 Ult all installed on one hard drive.

The Win7 partition manager can be found by going to:

Start Menu ==> Right click: Computer ==> Manage ==> Disk Management ==> Right click: Windows 7 ( C: ) partition ==> Shrink volume ==> Right click: Unallocated space ==> Create new partiton.

Hope this might help anyone who had similar difficulties.

Since I work with multiple bulk emails on a daily basis, and have tried all available email programs such as Win Live Mail, Mozilla Thunderbird, etc.... in my humble opinion, Windows Mail is in a class of it's own.

 

[poppa bear]

Gregroy7 pardon my ignorance, but could you please explain exactly what you mean by:

I was shocked to find out that windows live mail would run both my wife's email address at the same time & keep them separate.

Thanks PB

 

[Ex_Brit]

WLM sets up mail boxes separately for each account. To some that is useful, to me a darned nuisance.

 

[poppa bear]

Multiple mail boxes

Thanks Ex_Brit

WLM sets up mail boxes separately for each account. To some that is useful, to me a darned nuisance.

I'm the only one using my PC, but I have more than one account as I have several email addresses, and like you, it would be a pain in the butt to have separate boxes.

Cheers PB

 

[fat 240]

No Luck

Hi l have followed all the steps posted here, but no luck when l click on the icon for windows mail it doesent load, any ideas?

 

[poppa bear]

To Fat 240 re:

Hi l have followed all the steps posted here, but no luck when l click on the icon for windows mail it doesent load, any ideas

As I said in an earlier reply I did a comprehensive guide in Techspot forum on importing windows mail from Vista to Win7 because I found glitchs in various methods suggested.

Anyway click here to be re-directed to that guide.

Hope this helps. PB

 

[Meriu]

Hello everyone! I have problem. I don't know why Take ownership doesn't work! I tried method made by Poppa bear and it doesn't work to! I cha'd delete folder from Program Files. Do you know any alternative method ?
Edit:
Ok, I have put files in proper folder. Now, when I start app,I have to set folder for inbox etc. and when I set I have window that my HDD is full and when click ok, have window "Windows Mail could not be started because MSOE.dll could not be initialised"

What should I do ?

 

[poppa bear]

MSOE.dll could not be initialised"

To Meriu

Re:

MSOE.dll could not be initialised"

There could be a number of reasons why that's happening.

1. Under Folder Options/View have you allowed hidden and system files to be viewed? Until I did this I could not initially copy all the Win Mail from Vista into the folder, nor even view the WinMail.exe file which runs Win Mail.

In one environment I received an error message that it could not be started because the program was already running, but it was a hidden protected file. In addition to allowing viewing of hidden protected system files I had to re-boot my PC.

2. Have you taken "full control" of this file using the manual method as described in my post, and edited ALL the entries in the "group or user names" under the properties/security tab by ticking ALL the allow boxes, then apply/OK?

3. The other suggestion would be to delete the entire Windows Mail folder in program files in Win7, and recopy/paste the entire Win Mail folder from Vista in case this or any other files have been corrupted.

4. Are you running this program as administrator?

5. Have you checked you firewall for any conflicts? A simple test would be to temporarily disable your firewall, anti-virus and any real time programs running, and see if this fixes the problem. Then switch them on one-by-one to see which one is causing the conflict.

6. Have you run a full scan for viruses and spyware?

As mentioned in my post, "Take Ownership" did not always work in every environment, and only deleted some of the files; in which case you have to take full control manually.

Good luck. PB