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and many of the link pointers within have become mislinked over time, many of the files or information within them is outdated, incomplete, or superseded with more accurate information - and so be careful.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

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• 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

 

[blutes]

Desperate for windows mail!

I have two vista machines, unfortunately both are running 32 bit operatiing systems. Does anyone have a 64 bit version of windows mail they could email me?? That would be so appreciated! http://www.w7forums.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=5501

 

[muhammed700]

Good good wellcome

 

[kaj]

I have two vista machines, unfortunately both are running 32 bit operatiing systems. Does anyone have a 64 bit version of windows mail they could email me?? That would be so appreciated!

Please read post 317 and the download link for Windows 64 bit Win Mail is only a few posts above this, post 342.

 

[poppa bear]

To chrishellmax re:

What is this take ownership program and how can it benefit me that has vista and windows on one system.
chris.

When you try to remove or replace any files in Windows Mail in the Windows 7 installation, it will not allow you to do this. By installing Take Ownership, if you right click a file and then click "Take Ownership" in the drop down menu, it will allow you to remove the file, or paste a replacement file over the top of it.

If you haven't got Take Ownership you have to manually take full control of the file and that's quite a process. See how to manually take full control of files in Footnote 1 of Post 317. Post 320 explains the modifications in Post 317.


Cheers PB

 

[poppa bear]

To blutes re:

I have two vista machines, unfortunately both are running 32 bit operatiing systems. Does anyone have a 64 bit version of windows mail they could email me?? That would be so appreciated!

If both your Vista and Window 7 are 32bit you don't need a 64bit version of the Vista Windows Mail file "msoe.dll".

Just import the "msoe.dll" from Vista Windows Mail to Windows Mail in your 32bit Windows Mail in Windows 7.

Or is your Win7 64bit?

Cheers PB

 

[GIGN1987]

I succesfuly enable a windows mail but im getting this error



and i have this settings. any suggestions

 

[Don DeBaer]

I was hoping for some advice. I followed instructions to activate Windows Mail....and when I click on the shortcut....I just get that spinning timepiece.....the mail program never launches. I did do one thing wrong on the attempt....and that is...I did not make a shortcut to the .exe file...but clicked on it....Once I restarted the computer....I then made the shortcut file....but all have the same results....which is...Windows Mail never starts. Do I need to take all the files back off.....? and put the Old file back in place. How do I start over?
HELP!!

 

[poppa bear]

I was hoping for some advice. I followed instructions to activate Windows Mail....and when I click on the shortcut....I just get that spinning timepiece.....the mail program never launches. I did do one thing wrong on the attempt....and that is...I did not make a shortcut to the .exe file...but clicked on it....Once I restarted the computer....I then made the shortcut file....but all have the same results....which is...Windows Mail never starts. Do I need to take all the files back off.....? and put the Old file back in place. How do I start over?
HELP!!

I'm not sure exactly what the problem is, but I'd suggest starting over again. Remove all the Vista Windows Mail files, and restore the original Windows 7 Windows Mail files. Then follow the steps in post 317 exactly as shown.

In that post it says that if you click on the WinMail.exe before running the regedit file WinMailZip.reg in step 1, it will mess up the installation. Could try replacing the WinMail.exe as a workaround, but probably need to start from scratch.

Good luck. PB

 

[Lizzi]

Acquiring Windows Mail for Windows 7

What if you don't have Vista to copy from?

I'm new to Windows 7, but know I don't want Windows LIVE Mail. Is there a way I can still get Windows Mail on my new computer?

Can anyone help?

 

[Brink]

Hello Lizzi, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Since you do not want Windows Live Mail or have a copy of Vista to copy Windows Mail from, then you might consider the free email program Thunderbird instead.

Windows Mail will not be supported in Windows 7 by Microsoft, and is being phased out for Windows Live Mail anyway.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[poppa bear]

I was hoping for some advice. I followed instructions to activate Windows Mail....and when I click on the shortcut....I just get that spinning timepiece.....the mail program never launches. I did do one thing wrong on the attempt....and that is...I did not make a shortcut to the .exe file...but clicked on it....Once I restarted the computer....I then made the shortcut file....but all have the same results....which is...Windows Mail never starts. Do I need to take all the files back off.....? and put the Old file back in place. How do I start over?
HELP!!

ps forgot to mention that when you first run WinMail.exe after importing from Vista, it can take up to 30 seconds for the WinMail window to open.

Since the WinMailEdit.reg registry edit file has taken out the splash screen, all you will see is the spinning timepiece until it opens.

Cheers PB

 

[Lizzi]

Thanks, Brink. Guess it's bad news for me. It's Windows Live Mail or nothing. Tried Thunderbird and really didn't care for it too much. I have Windows Office 2007, but only the Student edition, thinking I wouldn't need Outlook. Silly me. I know I can buy it separately, but it's pricey. Microsoft has done it again. I'm not a happy camper.

Sure appreciate your help, though. The Windows 7 Forums are such a great idea and very helpful.

Lizzi

 

[Brink]

No problem Lizzi. There are others like Opera that you might give a test to see how you like as well though.

 

[poppa bear]

To Lizzi re:

Thanks, Brink. Guess it's bad news for me. It's Windows Live Mail or nothing. Tried Thunderbird and really didn't care for it too much. I have Windows Office 2007, but only the Student edition, thinking I wouldn't need Outlook. Silly me. I know I can buy it separately, but it's pricey. Microsoft has done it again. I'm not a happy camper.

Sure appreciate your help, though. The Windows 7 Forums are such a great idea and very helpful.

Lizzi

If you read post 317 in this thread, found by clicking this link: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/5481-windows-mail-32.html#post533107 it should fix your problem and allow the existing Windows Mail application in your Windows 7 to operate. You don't need the Vista Windows Mail folder, only a "msoe.dll" file.

If you want, send me a private message if you have difficulties with the steps shown in the guide.

Cheers PB

 

[poppa bear]

Regedits for WinCal

To Gregs

Hi Greg,

Tried to PM you but it was barred from sending.

Just wanted to let you know, tried the regedits you did to enable Windows Calendar to operate from the button on the top taskbar of WinMail.exe in Win7 64bit installation. And all good. Worked fine.

Cheers PB

 

[Greg S]

To Gregs

Hi Greg,

Tried to PM you but it was barred from sending.

Just wanted to let you know, tried the regedits you did to enable Windows Calendar to operate from the button on the top taskbar of WinMail.exe in Win7 64bit installation. And all good. Worked fine.

Cheers PB

Hmm, that's odd. Did you pay your sevenforum dues?Lol
That's good to hear PB.

 

[mick823]

Finally maneuvered my way through 30+ pages of trial and error to get the windows mail functioning correctly. I had all of the problems described here and then some. Thanks to all who contributed. Has anybody done any work on the junk mail filter? The manually blocked list seems to function correctly on my install but I am not sure about the junk mail filter that you would receive via automatic update in a Vista install. I have another PC with Vista and just received an automatic update for the junk mail filter. A little searching in the windows mail folder turned up a file named OESpamFilter.dat. I tried downloading the latest junk mail filter manually and figured I would give it a try on my win7 OS. I clicked on the install button and got a message that it was not compatible with my OS. My next experiment was to copy and paste the OESpamFilter.dat file from the Vista PC to the WIN7 PC. The file copied over fine but I still don't know if the filter is actually functioning right. Comments anybody?

 

[poppa bear]

Finally maneuvered my way through 30+ pages of trial and error to get the windows mail functioning correctly. I had all of the problems described here and then some. Thanks to all who contributed. Has anybody done any work on the junk mail filter? The manually blocked list seems to function correctly on my install but I am not sure about the junk mail filter that you would receive via automatic update in a Vista install. I have another PC with Vista and just received an automatic update for the junk mail filter. A little searching in the windows mail folder turned up a file named OESpamFilter.dat. I tried downloading the latest junk mail filter manually and figured I would give it a try on my win7 OS. I clicked on the install button and got a message that it was not compatible with my OS. My next experiment was to copy and paste the OESpamFilter.dat file from the Vista PC to the WIN7 PC. The file copied over fine but I still don't know if the filter is actually functioning right. Comments anybody?

Unfortunately that's one thing that we couldn't get working. As you correctly say, the blocked list works, but not the junk mail filter you get via auto updates. If you find a work around please let us know.

Cheers PB

 

[friendlyphil]

I can't open an .eml file

I successfully (I think) brought Windows Mail with me to Windows 7 Pro-64 from Vista, as per your directions. It works, except I cannot open an .eml file. Windows mail is not listed as a candidate in default programs and .eml is not listed as a possibility in file associations. Any help? I prefer to not use Windows Live.

 

[poppa bear]

To friendlyphil re:

I successfully (I think) brought Windows Mail with me to Windows 7 Pro-64 from Vista, as per your directions. It works, except I cannot open an .eml file. Windows mail is not listed as a candidate in default programs and .eml is not listed as a possibility in file associations. Any help? I prefer to not use Windows Live.

Which method did you use to do the import? The original method shown in this tutorial does not include the regedit auto exe file you need to open .eml emails on desktop.

If you read post 317 on page 32 of this thread, found here, it shows a modified method of enabling WinMail to work in Windows 7.

In step 1 of this post it has an attachment, WinMailEdit.zip, which edits the registry to allow .eml email files to open on desktop. Then follow step 2 to remove the attributes. If this still doesn't work, you may need to do an additional manual regedit, shown in Footnote 2 of this post... but only if the registry key shown is on your PC. Then finally, re-boot your PC.

Worst case scenario is you may have to restore everything to it's original state and start again using the instructions in post 317. Be sure to do the steps in strict order, or it may not work.

Hope this helps. Cheers PB