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and many of the link pointers within have become mislinked over time, many of the files or information within them is outdated, incomplete, or superseded with more accurate information - and so be careful.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

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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

 

[Meriu]

Ok, I have changed system Language to English. I have emptied folder Windows Mail (in Program Files). I have copied downloaded from WEB (not from my old PC with Vista) folder with Windows Mail (Screen-shot's name: "Downloaded.jpg" in attachments) to Program Files. I have not changed anything in Users/AppData/Windows/etc. Now when I open WinMail.exe("capture.JPG") I shows window "Capture1.jpg", when Click OK, "Capture2.JPG", when chose destination folder (Program Files/Windows Mail) "Capture3.JPG". PLEASE HELP ME MAN ! Maybe should I find any files in Users about Windows Mail? I don't know what to do...

 

[poppa bear]

Capture .jpeg

I don't know what you have downloaded from the net but they are not the correct Windows Mail files. Win Mail is not available as a general download as it would be a breach of copyright. It must be copied from a working operating system of Vista. The file names shown in your .jpeg are the same as my Windows Mail files from Vista, but they are all bigger in size than my files and you have an additional folder, pl-PL which is not in my original Win Mail Vista files.

I notice that it says Windows Mail 64 in the title window. Are you running 32 or 64 bit OS, because you appear to have downloaded the 64 bit files?

The only thing I can suggest is that you delete from your Win7 operating system all these files you have downloaded from the net, and any other Windows Mail files in Program Files including the original Windows Mail folder, and copy and paste a clean copy of the whole Windows Mail folder from your original Windows Vista installation.

Once it's pasted into the program files of Win7, open the Windows Mail folder and right click the very last file "WinMail.exe" and send it to the desktop as a shortcut. Then click this shortcut to open Windows Mail.

Once it opens it should normally ask if you want to set Windows Mail as your default mail program. Choose yes.

 

[Ex_Brit]

If he downloaded the files I unofficially posted at Megaupload then they are x64.

 

[Meriu]

I have installed x84 but in system properties I have shown that is 64-bit.

Edit. Yes Yes Yes ! I have installed it on my PC. The problem was that I didn't Install it in 'Program Files' but in 'Program Piles (x84)' (yes, I have got 2 folders named Program Files. I don't know why, but I don't want to move anything without confirmation). When I put it into proper Program Files, Everything started and works! Thank you su much boys! You're (Ex_Brit and poppa bear)grand&great !

 

[brian88135]

Hmmm, I've done exactly what you guys have described and not getting any response
When I try and start windows mail, you can see it tries to do something but then stops

I know its probably 99% operator error but....

I just got a new machine last night, hate Windows live mail

Any ideas?

BTW this forum rocks!

Thanks in advance

Brian

 

[hospitaldoctor1]

Since i did a clean install of WIndows 7 from vista, I lost a lot of programs, such as windows mail and windows calendar, etc.
how can i get these programs back? how do i install them
thanks

 

[brian88135]

got it!

I downloaded someone elses windows mail (mine must have been corrupt or something

Worked great!

Thanks again

Brian

 

[poppa bear]

Download Win Mail folder files from net

Hi Ex_Brit,

Re:

If he downloaded the files I unofficially posted at Megaupload then they are x64.

I tried to find a download site on the net for the Windows Mail programs folder, (Vista), but any links I went to said the download had been removed due to infringement of copyright laws. I did this in the hope it would allow persons without Vista to get the program folder. I can't remember if I tried your link or not? Do you have re-direct to that link?

I can't understand why Microsoft can't provide a direct download for anyone with a licensed copy of Win7. I know this whole shchmozzle started because of the dispute Microsoft were having with the European Community, and they couldn't decide whether to have 2 versions of Win7 - one for Europe without an email program, and one for the rest with an email program. The compromise was Win7 with a Windows Mail program that was inoperative. At least that's what Microsoft told me when I quizzed them on it. They also said they had no plans to introduce a stand alone copy of Windows Mail suitable for either Vista or Win7. Nice to feel so supported, eh!

Cheers PB

 

[poppa bear]

Lost files

To Hospital Doctor 1

Re:

Since i did a clean install of WIndows 7 from vista, I lost a lot of programs, such as windows mail and windows calendar, etc. how can i get these programs back? how do i install them thanks

Can you provide more information please.

When you say you did a clean instal of Win7 from Vista, do you mean:

1. You did a Win7 upgrade on Vista and programs were lost after upgrading?

2. Or that you did a new installation of Win7 and copied Windows Mail from Vista program files into Win7 program files?

If you're talking about the 1st option then this is not really the correct post in which to have your problem solved. The best forum in which to do a post would probably be "Installation and Setup".

If you're talking about the 2nd option I can't understand how you could lose Windows Mail when you imported it to Win7 Program files?

Can you plese clarify exactly what you did, step by step?

 

[Ex_Brit]

Since i did a clean install of WIndows 7 from vista, I lost a lot of programs, such as windows mail and windows calendar, etc.
how can i get these programs back? how do i install them
thanks

Read this thread from the beginning for Windows Mail. You've already been answered elsewhere regarding Windows Calendar.

 

[Wolfman77]

Dear Mr. Grim,

I went through the process of trying to put Windows Mail from Vista on my new Windows 7 OS:

1 - Downloaded / Take Ownership ( Great software ! )

2 - Deleted original Windows Mail off of my Windows 7 OS

3 - Replaced Windows Mail file on new Windows 7 OS with copied Windows Vista (Windows Mail file)

4 - Open new Windows Mail Folder and created shortcut to WinMail.exe and changed file name to Windows Mail, then Pined it to my Task Bar.

I Followed this procedure and still cannot open the Vista Version of Windows Mail in my Windows 7 OS ?

Questions:

- Do I need to install Windows Live Mail (First) Then follow your procedure?
- or did I miss something in the procedure, I thought I followed it to the letter ?

Thank You in advance for your Advice and Help on this matter !

Merry Christmas !

Wolfman77

 

[poppa bear]

Clarify

To Wolfman 77

Re:

2 - Deleted original Windows Mail off of my Windows 7 OS

3 - Replaced Windows Mail file on new Windows 7 OS with copied Windows Vista (Windows Mail file)

Presume you mean you deleted Windows Mail folder from Program Files of Win7?

Then copied/pasted entire Windows Mail folder from Program files of Vista, not Win Mail file as stated in your question?

As mentioned before in this thread I found glitches in some environments for some of the various methods mentioned. Might help to read this guide for detailed procedure of importing Win Mail from Vista by clicking link here... and starting fresh by deleting everything imported??

 

[Ex_Brit]

Hi Ex_Brit,

Re:

If he downloaded the files I unofficially posted at Megaupload then they are x64.

I tried to find a download site on the net for the Windows Mail programs folder, (Vista), but any links I went to said the download had been removed due to infringement of copyright laws. I did this in the hope it would allow persons without Vista to get the program folder. I can't remember if I tried your link or not? Do you have re-direct to that link?

I can't understand why Microsoft can't provide a direct download for anyone with a licensed copy of Win7. I know this whole shchmozzle started because of the dispute Microsoft were having with the European Community, and they couldn't decide whether to have 2 versions of Win7 - one for Europe without an email program, and one for the rest with an email program. The compromise was Win7 with a Windows Mail program that was inoperative. At least that's what Microsoft told me when I quizzed them on it. They also said they had no plans to introduce a stand alone copy of Windows Mail suitable for either Vista or Win7. Nice to feel so supported, eh!

Cheers PB

Sorry just noticed this. Yes they took it down. I guess I should have realised that the WM files were protected. Ooops on my part, sorry about that.

 

[GoodPlan]

Windows 7 Mail

Thanks Mr Grim for your tutorial.

Unfortunately I do not have a copy of Vista 64 bit and my new operating system is Windows 7 64 bit.

Could you send me a copy of the Windows Vista mail files for the 32 bit and 64 bit so I can complete this task.

Or if any one else has them. I would be very greatfull.

Thanks in advance

Andy

 

[rj mccarthy]

windows mail

I was encouraged by your tutorial to try to import the winmail folder from my old Vista. Unfortunately it did not work for me. If I click the shortcut it appears as if the app is activated but nothing shows on the screen. If I click again it says the app is still running. Is the problem because I am running w7 on 64 bit or what?

 

[poppa bear]

Win Mail and 64 bit Win7 OS

To rj mccarthy re:

I was encouraged by your tutorial to try to import the winmail folder from my old Vista. Unfortunately it did not work for me. If I click the shortcut it appears as if the app is activated but nothing shows on the screen. If I click again it says the app is still running. Is the problem because I am running w7 on 64 bit or what

Another member, Meriu, had the same problem, and had this to say (one page back):

Yes Yes Yes! I have installed it on my PC. The problem was that I didn't Install it in 'Program Files' but in 'Program Files (x84)' (yes, I have got 2 folders named Program Files). When I put it into proper Program Files, everything started and works!

When you're running a 64 bit version of Win7 you will probably have two sets of program files. One is for older 32 bit applications.

I'd suggest starting completely from scratch so there aren't any conflicts, by totally removing any Windows Mail files or folder from Win7, and re-importing it to the correct 32 bit Program files, assuming your original Vista was 32 bit. Click here for a link to a comprehensive guide to importing Win Mail and allowing .eml email files to be opened on the desktop or in storage folders.

 

[poppa bear]

Mail import

To GoodPlan re:

Could you send me a copy of the Windows Vista mail files for the 32 bit and 64 bit so I can complete this task.

Usually when you're running Win7 it will have two sets of program files, one of which is for 32 bit applications. If you haven't got Vista 64 bit operating system from which to import Vista Windows Mail, you could try importing the 32 bit version, but make sure you paste the whole Vista Windows Mail folder into the correct 32 bit Program Files.

You might get the 32 bit folder at this link by clicking here. The file is called "Import Mail.zip". Use the free download option, but after clicking download, you'll need to wait 60 seconds before it's ready to download, then click the download button a second time and save it to your desktop. Do not use a download manager to download it or you'll only get an index file.

Then unzip the downloaded Winzip file and copy and paste the whole Windows Mail folder into the 32 bit program files.

 

[KevN2009]

OK, I have gotten Windows Mail to work on my Windows 7 64 bit machine by following everyone's instructions here, and thank you for all the help with this!
My problem is, I still can't open attachments (.eml) from within Microsoft Mail. I tried to associate .eml files with Winmail.exe but that still would not open the attachment. Then I just tried to associate .eml with a different .exe and now it is stuck on that one and will not let me change it.
I was also never able to get Windows Mail to show up on the default programs list, but I did get it to open up as default program even though the popup kept reminding me it wasn't the default.
Anyone have the same problems and fixes? I've tried all the .reg files and posts on this thread.
Thanks!

Kevin

 

[poppa bear]

To KevN2009 re:

My problem is, I still can't open attachments (.eml) from within Microsoft Mail.

Check the second part of this guide at Techspot Forum, "How to edit the registry so email .eml files from Windows Mail can be opened", by clicking here. Also read the footnotes.

If you've got Windows Mail Live on your PC, I'd suggest uninstalling it. Then go to:

Start/All Programs/Default Programs/Set your default programs.

Windows Mail should now be there as an option for your default program. If it's not, the first time you open it, or an .eml email file, the option should be offered to set it as default.

Re:

Then I just tried to associate .eml with a different .exe and now it is stuck on that one and will not let me change it.

Once you've done all the preceding steps, go to:

Start/All Programs/Default Programs/Associate a file type or program with a specific program.

Highlight the .eml entry and go to the top right and click: Change Program/Search/Select: Windows Mail.

Hope this helps.

 

[KevN2009]

Holy Crap it actually worked! Thanks Poppa Bear!