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and many of the link pointers within have become mislinked over time, many of the files or information within them is outdated, incomplete, or superseded with more accurate information - and so be careful.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

 

[NoN]

How can I get Windows Mail working again?

Well, follow the instructions here to reinstall the msoe.dll on your machine...as you did the first time.

-Pick up the msoe.dll here needed
-Unlock the files by clicking property on the files
-Start in safe mode
-Find the 7 msoe.dll in the Programs files(X86) & Programs X64 Windows Mail folder and click property, change the security tab to Total Control, then rename the files like that msoe.dll-old
-Replace in the Windows Mail folder the msoe.dll and re-unlock if needed.
-Restart your computer.

I can tell you, it won't delete any of your mails doing that way.

 

[roncerr]

I just updated and restarted. No problems here. WinMail working as it did before the update.

Perhaps that's because you're 32-bit but the OP is 64.?

 

[Ex_Brit]

msoe.dll replacement worked for me. For 64-bit system users you must use the 64-bit MSOE.dll from the first post in this thread, and it's the one in Program Files/Windows Mail not Program Files (x86)/...!

 

[Ex_Brit]

I find the online wording of the details of this update (KB978542) curious - it mentions Windows Mail and Windows 7 in the same sentence....are they tacitly recognizing the fact that people are putting Windows Mail on their Windows 7 rigs?

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-030 - Critical: Vulnerability in Outlook Express and Windows Mail Could Allow Remote Code Execution (978542)

The part:

This security update is rated Critical for Microsoft Outlook Express on all supported editions of Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003; and for Windows Mail on all supported editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. This security update is rated Important for Windows Live Mail on all supported editions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2; and for Windows Mail on all supported editions of Windows 7 and.........

I posted this in the Win7 MVP newsgroup for comments. So far the only one is that WLM is a piece of crap...well I already know that.

 

[twistedpair]

The problem is a little more complicated, in that the Windows Update was primarily to address some vulnerabilities within Windows Mail. Specifically, the MSOE.DLL.

Simply reinstating the old version of the MSOE.DLL will restore Windows Mail operation, however will also leave it open to exploit. This may not have been a problem until now, as there was little awareness of the vulnerability.

Unless someone can provide a link to the new version of the DLL , it will be necessary to obtain the latest Microsoft Update "MSU" file, then manually extract the latest version of the MSOE.DLL, in order to restore "safe" operation of Windows Mail within Windows7

Look here to find the relevent version of the "Vista" DLL that you will require to copy over to Win7 MS10-030: Vulnerability in Outlook Express and Windows Mail could allow remote code execution

Download the MSU from here
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-030 - Critical: Vulnerability in Outlook Express and Windows Mail Could Allow Remote Code Execution (978542)

For information on extracting MSU files, look here...
How to extract msu/msp/msi/exe files on the command line WindowsWiki

 

[fastexpert]

Unless someone can provide a link to the new version of the DLL

I am just going to extract the new, updated "msoe.dll" from a parallel installed Vista version (32 bit and 64 bit version). Let me know if you are interested.

 

[NoN]

Unless someone can provide a link to the new version of the DLL

I am just going to extract the new, updated "msoe.dll" from a parallel installed Vista version (32 bit and 64 bit version). Let me know if you are interested.

Yes, please do!

Manage an attachement in a zip folder those new msoe.dll.

It'll be good to keep them safe, as it might be the same behavoir when Windows 7 SP1 will be ready to download.

 

[MaximusCommodus]

Hello...................today Microsoft has updated new security to Windows 7 and this new security shut down operating Win Mail in Windows 7..................................anybody has answer !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Ex_Brit]

Read the posts that have gone before and you will see it's an easy fix.

 

[Rottweiler]

I have the same problem, Windows mail wont run.
I have W7 Pro 32 bit
Where can i download the new .DLL From

 

[poppa bear]

I am just going to extract the new, updated "msoe.dll" from a parallel installed Vista version (32 bit and 64 bit version). Let me know if you are interested.

There's no need to get the 32bit Vista msoe.dll file as the KB978542 update of the msoe.dll file does not bork 32bit WinMail. I have run tests on both 32 & 64bit Windows 7 installations, and only the 64bit Windows Mail installation is borked by the update.

However, as already suggested by fastexpert it would be good if he, or anyone else, can provide the 64bit Vista msoe.dll file which has been modified by the update, as an attachment to a post.

Please note, it is not a breach of Microsoft copyright to post this file.

To Ex_Brit re:

I find the on line wording of the details of this update (KB978542) curious - it mentions Windows Mail and Windows 7 in the same sentence....are they tacitly recognizing the fact that people are putting Windows Mail on their Windows 7 rigs?

I think this relates to the fact that WinMail folder in Windows 7 is used by Windows Live Mail and that's why they included it in Windows 7. Why they included the 32bit Windows Mail folder in the 64bit Windows 7 installation is beyond me, because when I quizzed Microsoft Australia on it they said it isn't used; and couldn't explain why it was even included in the 32bit Program files(x86). A la typical MS!

Cheers PB

 

[roncerr]

....are they tacitly recognizing the fact that people are putting Windows Mail on their Windows 7 rigs?

It sure sounds like it. The affected software/vulnerability chart has this in it:
"Windows Mail when installed on Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems" and
"Windows Mail when installed on Windows 7 for 64-bit Systems"

 

[kaj]

Please Post patched vista msoe .dll 64 bit!

Suffered the same setback as many others tonight when I let Windows Update do its thing; no Windows Mail. Did a system restore leaving out KB978542 (having consulted this forum, thanks!) and it was back. So if someone could post their patched Vista 64 bit msoe .dll that would be great.
Incidentally when I hover the mouse over my msoe .dll it gives it as:
File version 6.0.6002.18005
Date created 12/05/10 17.45 (ie the date & time of today's update)
Does that mean the file is now patched and I could install the update and the mail be unaffected????? ( At the moment I have "hidden" the update.)
And another thing ... are we going to have to keep on doing this stuff????

 

[NoN]

Suffered the same setback as many others tonight when I let Windows Update do its thing; no Windows Mail. Did a system restore leaving out KB978542 (having consulted this forum, thanks!) and it was back. So if someone could post their patched Vista 64 bit msoe .dll that would be great.
Incidentally when I hover the mouse over my msoe .dll it gives it as:
File version 6.0.6002.18005
Date created 12/05/10 17.45 (ie the date & time of today's update)
Does that mean the file is now patched and I could install the update and the mail be unaffected????? ( At the moment I have "hidden" the update.)
And another thing ... are we going to have to keep on doing this stuff????

There's no need thinking uninstall the kb978542....just remind it replace the msoe.dll needed, and grab it back, so at least other issues are safe.

This File version 6.0.6002.18005 is the old one...and the date, might be the date when you picked up and unzip it...


Wait a little and the new msoe.dll will surface from someone. Actually i can have only the x86 one, 'cause that's the only vista version here owned.

So, it would be great to get the x64 one! Thanks!

 

[weaver0]

4the KB978542 update of the msoe.dll file does not bork 32bit WinMail.

I had to fix two 32-bit installs just this afternoon, so this statement is untrue. Fortunately, replacing the msoe.dll file with the post-KB978542 Vista 32-bit (6.0.6002.18197) file fixes it (even without a reboot/safe mode as others have stated - kill the winmail.exe process). I'll attach this file.

I am still trying to find the 64-bit file... Most of my clients have moved to Win7, so don't know if I can get it soon.

found the patched vista 64 file

 

[Greg S]

4the KB978542 update of the msoe.dll file does not bork 32bit WinMail.

I had to fix two 32-bit installs just this afternoon, so this statement is untrue. Fortunately, replacing the msoe.dll file with the post-KB978542 Vista 32-bit (6.0.6002.18197) file fixes it (even without a reboot/safe mode as others have stated - kill the winmail.exe process). I'll attach this file.

I am still trying to find the 64-bit file... Most of my clients have moved to Win7, so don't know if I can get it soon.

found the patched vista 64 file

Are the zip files the new updated Vista versions?

 

[weaver0]

4the KB978542 update of the msoe.dll file does not bork 32bit WinMail.

I had to fix two 32-bit installs just this afternoon, so this statement is untrue. Fortunately, replacing the msoe.dll file with the post-KB978542 Vista 32-bit (6.0.6002.18197) file fixes it (even without a reboot/safe mode as others have stated - kill the winmail.exe process). I'll attach this file.

I am still trying to find the 64-bit file... Most of my clients have moved to Win7, so don't know if I can get it soon.

found the patched vista 64 file

Are the zip files the new updated Vista versions?

yes, both are version 6.0.6002.18197 from a fully updated Vista SP2 machine after KB978542 was installed

 

[Greg S]

I had to fix two 32-bit installs just this afternoon, so this statement is untrue. Fortunately, replacing the msoe.dll file with the post-KB978542 Vista 32-bit (6.0.6002.18197) file fixes it (even without a reboot/safe mode as others have stated - kill the winmail.exe process). I'll attach this file.

I am still trying to find the 64-bit file... Most of my clients have moved to Win7, so don't know if I can get it soon.

found the patched vista 64 file

Are the zip files the new updated Vista versions?

yes, both are version 6.0.6002.18197 from a fully updated Vista SP2 machine after KB978542 was installed

Is there any benefit from using the updated msoe.dll? Even though Windows update states that KB978542 was a successful install, none of the mentioned files from the ms bulletin MS10-030: Vulnerability in Outlook Express and Windows Mail could allow remote code execution have been replaced on my setup.

 

[steelgtr]

I had to fix two 32-bit installs just this afternoon, so this statement is untrue. Fortunately, replacing the msoe.dll file with the post-KB978542 Vista 32-bit (6.0.6002.18197) file fixes it (even without a reboot/safe mode as others have stated - kill the winmail.exe process). I'll attach this file.

I am still trying to find the 64-bit file... Most of my clients have moved to Win7, so don't know if I can get it soon.

found the patched vista 64 file

Are the zip files the new updated Vista versions?

yes, both are version 6.0.6002.18197 from a fully updated Vista SP2 machine after KB978542 was installed

So just replace the old 64 bit msoe.dll file with the zipped one from a few posts up?

thx

bob

 

[Styx]

So just replace the old 64 bit msoe.dll file with the zipped one from a few posts up?

I just tried that, but for me it doesn't work .
I really do not understand MS. People want to use their software and they're still not satisfied .

Styx.