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and many of the link pointers within have become mislinked over time, many of the files or information within them is outdated, incomplete, or superseded with more accurate information - and so be careful.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

 

[New Jersey]

Can someone please tell me how to undo the following attribute:

attrib -s -h "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Mail\WinMail.exe



I'm in over my head and I would like to undo it.
system restore did not do it.
Thanks in advance for any help

 

[Greg S]

Can someone please tell me how to undo the following attribute:

attrib -s -h "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Mail\WinMail.exe



I'm in over my head and I would like to undo it.
system restore did not do it.
Thanks in advance for any help

attrib +s +h "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Mail\WinMail.exe

 

[poppa bear]

Logitech Setpoint was using MSOE.dll strangely. Have managed to start Windows MAil. Now is it possible to export WLM format messages to WM ? There is no such export option though.

Yes, emails from WLM or WM are compatible as they both use .eml file types.

I have both WinLiveMail and WinMail concurrently active in Windows 7. There are different ways to transfer emails from one email client to the other. One way is to highlight a bulk group of emails, for example in the Inbox. To do this, highlight one email, then hit Ctrl + A on the keyboard. Now place your mouse pointer in the middle of the highlighted emails, hold down the left mouse key, and drag/drop to a storage folder on your desktop. Then open WinMail, and in the same way drag/drop them to the appropriate folder of Inbox, Drafts, etc, in Local Folders in WinMail.

Unfortunately you can't drag/drop from WinLiveMail straight into WinMail, but have to go via the GUI, (interface), of the desktop.

Hope this helps.

 

[roncerr]

Now is it possible to export WLM format messages to WM? There is no such export option though.

For OE, WM, and WLM you never need to export. Just use the maintenance option to view the Windows Explorer path to the message store. Then just copy the folder that contains the messages (It would be called Outlook Express, Windows Mail, or Windows Live Mail depending on which program has your messages.) Then copy the message store to the new PC. Now use the Import function of the new mail program to import the messages; choose the format of the old program and navigate to the folder with your old messages. This is where you may have a problem since you're moving mail from WLM to WM. WM won't have an Import format choice for WLM. I'd try choosing WM. If you're lucky, the new mail program (WM) will import all the WLM messages, including their folder structure under the heading "Imported Messages". You can either leave them there or move them by drag and drop within the mail program's window to other locations in the window. If you move everything out of the Imported Messages folder you can delete the folder.

The worse that could happen is that it won't work. The reason I think it may be worth trying is that WM and WLM (unlike OE) both have similar message stores in Windows Explorer: a folder with a bunch of *.eml email files inside grouped by subfolders with names indicating the name of the group (e.g. Inbox).

As an aside, perhaps I should also mention that Popa Bear (who put the tutorial together) and I both used WM on Windows 7 for a brief period but later decided to just give WLM a real try and currently we are both on WLM.

 

[Fejinwales]

Thank you.....Thank you.....Thank you. The only thing I have to get sorted out with W7 now is the crappy Start Menu, CSMenu does not cut it and cannot be made to look like it does on the website but this wonderful workaround for Windows Mail has made me extremely happy.

 

[poppa bear]

Now is it possible to export WLM format messages to WM? There is no such export option though.

For OE, WM, and WLM you never need to export. Just use the maintenance option to view the Windows Explorer path to the message store..... Then just copy the folder that contains the messages The reason I think it may be worth trying is that WM and WLM (unlike OE) both have similar message stores in Windows Explorer: a folder with a bunch of *.eml email files inside grouped by sub folders with names indicating the name of the group (e.g. Inbox).

Interesting approach. I haven't tried it but would like to know the outcome.

There is a difference between the message stores in WinLiveMail and WinMail.

1. WinMail messages are all stored in one folder named Local Folders, which contains a single set of sub-folders such as Inbox, Sent Items, etc. This is the pathway to the message store - you will need to enable View Hidden folders to find AppData in this pathway.

Start Menu > User Name > AppData > Local > Microsoft > Windows Mail > Local Folders

2. WinLiveMail stores them in a separate folder for each email Account Name, with a complete set of sub-folders for each account; ie Inbox, Sent Items, etc. This is the pathway to the storage folders.

Start Menu > User Name > AppData > Local > Microsoft > Windows Live Mail > Account Names.

When you copy the Windows Live Mail folder and store it on your desktop, I'm not sure then how WinMail Import wizard would sort that lot with multiple sets of sub-folders? You might end up with two or more sets of sub-folders in WinMail? How these would then display in the WinMail GUI is questionable?

When importing from WinMail in Vista --> WinMail in Windows 7; all emails, Local Folders, (including sub-folders), and accounts can be done in one simple copy/paste operation as per this post here. However, unless the destination Local Folders under AppData for WinMail was first emptied of all existing files, you ended up with duplicate sub-folders. There were also other complications as detailed in the post.

Even so, as Roncerr said, even it doesn't work, you won't risk anything. In worst case scenario, if your Local Folders in Windows Mail under AppData was a total mess, you could delete all sub-folders except account files, and shut everything. When you re-open Local Folders you will find all new, empty sub-folders of Inbox, Sent Items, etc, have been restored. However, while any personally created custom sub-folders will be lost, these can easily be re-created. Warning: Create custom sub-folders via WinMail in the GUI. They will not appear in the WinMail in GUI if created directly in Local Folders under AppData, as they are not linked.

You could do it manually by choosing one Account Name as a master folder from within the Windows Live storage folder copied to your desktop. Then move the contents of each other account name into the corresponding sub-folders in the master folder.

For example, from the Windows Live folder copied to my desktop, I'd choose my account named Poppa as a master folder. Then move the contents of the sub-folders of each account folder, eg Bernie account, (Inbox, Sent Items, etc,) into the corresponding sub-folders of Poppa account.

Hhhmmm? Probably easier to drag/drop the lot from each of Inbox, Sent Items, etc; using the GUI of WinLiveMail if you've got multiple accounts?

 

[New Jersey]

Windows mail in wrong program file in win7

I need some help correcting a mistake I made.
I attempted to follow the windows mail reinstate instructions.
I put the Vista mail file in the win7 X86 folder instead of where I was told to.
Now windows mail runs all the time and will not close.
I cannot load any programs until I close it.
I tried the new restore process to earlier but that did not help
Can anyone bail me out?

 

[poppa bear]

I need some help correcting a mistake I made.
I attempted to follow the windows mail reinstate instructions.
I put the Vista mail file in the win7 X86 folder instead of where I was told to.
Now windows mail runs all the time and will not close.
I cannot load any programs until I close it.
I tried the new restore process to earlier but that did not help
Can anyone bail me out?

You need to reinstall the original Windows Mail folder. See Visitor message found by clicking your forum user name in the top left panel of your post, then clicking View Public Profile.

 

[alientrader1]

Windows Mail does not work in Windows 7 64-bit

I have been trying to get Windows Mail to work in my Windows 7 64-bit OS since May. I try every so often using your instructions (6 times so far) to get it to work, but it never does. Could you possibly list the instructions for 64-bit in the order needed, because every time you send me to footnote 3 or some other place, I never get the results you say I should get. I am desperate, as I am using Office 2007 Outlook now, and it is horrible! I just want a simple e-mail program like Outlook Express or Windows Mail, because I just do very simple stuff. Please, I beg you.

Thanks sincerely,

Barry

 

[18pcs]

I have been trying to get Windows Mail to work in my Windows 7 64-bit OS since May. I try every so often using your instructions (6 times so far) to get it to work, but it never does. Could you possibly list the instructions for 64-bit in the order needed, because every time you send me to footnote 3 or some other place, I never get the results you say I should get. I am desperate, as I am using Office 2007 Outlook now, and it is horrible! I just want a simple e-mail program like Outlook Express or Windows Mail, because I just do very simple stuff. Please, I beg you.

Thanks sincerely,

Barry

I was in the same boat as you as since the day I had opened my eyes to computers I was using OE and then suddenly had to adapt to WLM . I tried everything possible since more than a month now and accidentally stumbled upon Thunderbird 3.2.1 Believe me it is a dream come true and works beautifully. Much better than OE in my opinion specially the archive function is too good to be true. The previous version of TB was not so good. Please try it before you go bald trying to get WM working.

 

[roncerr]

...I just want a simple e-mail program like Outlook Express or Windows Mail, because I just do very simple stuff...

I agree with you. Poppa Bear wrote the tutorial and he (and I) used WM on Win7 for a brief period. But we have both since decided to give WLM a real try and are still with it. Unfortunately, the new features hide the basic functionality somewhat, but it can do whatever WM did. It has the advantage of still being supported by Microsoft and is not as likely as WM to suffer from some miscellaneous Windows Update for Windows 7 (as happened once with WM on 7).

When I "reinstated" WM on 7 I was lucky in that I only had to deal with the 32-bit steps; but even so, it was a bit tricky "unhiding" and "taking ownership of" stuff. Perhaps you could print out the instructions as I did when I did it and post back exactly at which step you got an unexpected result and what it was. Or you could try WLM instead and ask for help with what you can't find in WLM that you could in WM on Vista or OE in XP.

 

[alientrader1]

WM in Windows 7--64-bit No can do

Thanks roncerr,

I will give it another try, and let you know where the problem begins.

I appreciate the option 18pcs mentioned, but Thunderbird is part of

Mozilla, and I find their stuff is still too complicated for me. I tried

FireFox and I couldn't even get the Autofill feature to work, as it

seemed to take a court order just to get it to work. I don't think that

I am completely stupid, but I just do simple things, and want simple

programs.

Thanks again,

Barry

 

[pete39]

Other email clients

For the benefit of friends and a family who do not wish to use Windows Live Mail I decided it would be interesting to test various email clients.

I have installed and tried 34 so far, I looked at other email clients and dismissed them without installing, it was apparent straight away that they were either unsuitable or just plain rubbish.
My criteria being to match or better Windows Mail or Outlook Express and must be easy to install and set up.
They must look good have a spell check, Bayesian spam filter and an inbuilt back up facility/wizard plus good import options for other email clients, they must also have a degree of customisation.

There was only three that met all of the above requirements!

Pocomail, paid.
This the best I feel for most people as direct replacement for WM or OE.

MailCOPA. paid.
Very good but no back up wizard, backing up is complicated.

The Bat Home, paid.
Very good, it is a very busy looking client but it can be thinned out to make it more uncluttered and less daunting.

The following were the next best, they are good ones but were missing some of the requirements that I feel are important.

GcMail, paid.
Very good but does not have a Bayesian spam filter.

EverDesk Mail Lite, free.
Very good and it’s free but it does not have a back up facility.

DreamMail, free.
Very good but does not have spell check, if it had that it would be among the best particularly as it’s free.

These remaining ones did not match the top six.
Evolution. eM Client. WikMail Pro.Pegasus. Thunderbird. Thinc-Mail.
Koomail. Mirramail. Sylpheed. yMail. Messenger Pro. Eudora. Zimbra.
Mail Warrior. Postbox, Postbox Express. Mail Commander. Element.
Becky. Columba. Mahogany. Vista NetMail. Iscribe. Mulberry. Pimmy.
Incredimail. TrulyMail. Foxmail.

Remember this is just my opinion.

Pete

 

[roncerr]

... easy to install and set up...
...spell check...Bayesian spam filter...back up facility/wizard...good import options...customisation...

Newsgroups?
Address Book (a.k.a. contacts)?
Message Rules (for sorting)?
Export to other fromats?
IMAP as well as POP3?
Choice of html or text?
Attachments?

 

[pete39]

As I said "My criteria being to match or better Windows Mail or Outlook Express."

 

[roncerr]

As I said "My criteria being to match or better Windows Mail or Outlook Express."

Sorry, I thought the limited list of features were your definition of "match or better". But if that's the main criterion, doesn't Windows Live Mail do that as well?

 

[kewl1]

I did finally get WinMail to open on my Windows 7 Ultimate. I think some of the problem was the fact that it was 64 bit. In any case....now the problem is that every time it does open...Winmail creates a new set of recovered message folders each time. I did put in my messages that I and address file that I needed to keep that were under the User/App/local.......files....but I am not understanding why it recovers these files on each launch. Not the messages each time...but a whole new set of file folders for the messages. Do you know how to correct this??

I am getting the same thing. Every time I open WIndows Mail I get a new set of folders. It only happens on one of the 2 computers I fixed Windows mail on (thanks t0 this thread) with Windows 7 Ultimate 64.

I'll try to attach a snip of what the folders look like. I've opened the bottom or latest one to show what is in them ie they are like Russian dolls where each contains another. There are no messages in them however.

 

[poppa bear]

I did finally get WinMail to open on my Windows 7 Ultimate. I think some of the problem was the fact that it was 64 bit. In any case....now the problem is that every time it does open...Winmail creates a new set of recovered message folders each time. I did put in my messages that I and address file that I needed to keep that were under the User/App/local.......files....but I am not understanding why it recovers these files on each launch. Not the messages each time...but a whole new set of file folders for the messages. Do you know how to correct this??

I am getting the same thing. Every time I open WIndows Mail I get a new set of folders. It only happens on one of the 2 computers I fixed Windows mail on (thanks ti this thread) with Windows 7 Ultimate 64.

I'll try to attach a snip of what the folders look like. I've opened the bottom ot latest one to show what is in them ie they are like Russian dolls where each contains another.

You probably need to completely clean out Local Folders under AppData. To do this:

• Save all emails to a storage folder on your desktop.

• Show hidden folders by opening any folder and going to:

Tools --> Folder Options --> View --> Dot: Show hidden file, folders and drives.

• Open: Start orb --> User Name --> AppData --> Local --> Microsoft --> Windows Mail --> Local Folders

• Delete all files in this folder except Accounts files <-- keep these. See following diagram.

​

Note: The sub-folders of Inbox, Sent Items, etc, will be restored when you next open WinMail.

• Close everything --> open: WinMail on desktop --> Create any custom sub-folders you may require under Local Folders in the WinMail interface... NOT in Local Folders under AppData.

• Drag drop your saved emails from the storage folder on your desktop into the appropriate folders in WinMail Local Folders. You're done.

It should now start normally without re-creating recovered files.

 

[pete39]

As I said "My criteria being to match or better Windows Mail or Outlook Express."

Sorry, I thought the limited list of features were your definition of "match or better". But if that's the main criterion, doesn't Windows Live Mail do that as well?

Myself, friends and family do not wish to use Windows Live Mail, we don't want 'in the clouds' emailing.

 

[roncerr]

As I said "My criteria being to match or better Windows Mail or Outlook Express."

Sorry, I thought the limited list of features were your definition of "match or better". But if that's the main criterion, doesn't Windows Live Mail do that as well?

Myself, friends and family do not wish to use Windows Live Mail, we don't want 'in the clouds' emailing.

Buried in the too-many-features of WLM there is a way to avoid the cloud: Don't sign in. You can choose that option in the options list. You will also only see your "not-signed-in" contacts list when you are not signed in. (Just don't use "working offline" as that makes it impossible to send and receive mail just as with previous versions.) Also, don't use "Photo Email" which stores the full-rez image in the cloud with a thumbnail link in the email.