WLM12 always re-installs on opening.

[Corrigenda]

I was previously using WLM 11 without problems on my old (2009) HP Pavilion desktop (Win 7 Home Premium 32, 3GB RAM) but a recent upgrade to WLM 12 (Version 2012 Build 16.4.3528.0331) has left the mail system operational except that whenever I come to reopen mail after having previously closed it, it appears to proceed to reinstall WLM completely and in the process it refreshes the desktop no fewer than four times.

The various steps it takes are:
Message saying 'Starting'
Preparing to Install
Request to wait while WLM is configured
Message saying 'Starting'
Message saying 'Gathering information'

It then finally becomes operational as a mail package (and indeed the filtering of Spam seems better than before) and so I have used it for some time now in this state but it is really irritating to have to wait more than two minutes every time I re-open WLM. I have read on the Internet - though not on this forum - that renewing the IconCache.db file sorts this but I have tried this and in my case it does not have any effect.

I see on this forum that there are some known update issues with some installations of WLM. Is my problem likely to be one such that may eventually be sorted by Microsoft or is this different and there is already a known fix that a 'mere mortal' in IT like me might be expected to be able to implement? Help would be much appreciated. I don't think that I can now roll back to a previous working version.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hello and welcome Corrigenda look try running these first
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html - use Option 2 and if needed the /f and /r switches

then these if that does no good these are just for elimination purposes

SUPERAntiSpyware | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!
https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/ when downloading and installing watch out for the tick box for the trial version untick it if you do not want to trial it (see below)
AdwCleaner Download
(NB if you have Kaspersky installed it may rave on about the download – ignore it or disable it for the duration of the download/scan)
For any unwanted addon programs that come packaged with other softwares use this
Unchecky - Keeps your checkboxes clear (Unchecky is not absolutely necessary but will stop unwanted add ons and trials)
The Unchecky is if you have not got Malwarebytes on already and stops any add ons anyway.

 

[Corrigenda]

Thanks vert much for that. I shall have a look and try these shortly - the family has gone down with colds etc over the period!

 

[Anak]

Hi Corrigenda, welcome to 7F, Hi, ICIT2!

If, after trying ICIT2's suggestions and WLM12 still won't install properly, some thoughts come to mind:

Your WLM12 installation is acting like a portable install, are you seeing any messages when closing or during the 'new install'...while you're using WLM?

You could try repairing it by going to Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Programs and Features and right clicking on, Windows Essentials, you should see an uninstall/change context menu, click on it.
A box will pop up, click on 'Repair all Windows Essentials programs'. Any results, good, bad? How about the new try at installing WLM after the repair?

Worst comes to worst, but this seems to help a lot of users; You may have to reinstall Windows Essentials. The download is here: http://Windows Essentials | windows.microsoft.com and how to backup and restore WLM is here, post #2: http://www.sevenforums.com/backup-restore/266981-windows-live-mail-backup-restore-question.html

By the way...In Programs and Features, what year does Windows Essentials have/had as a suffix?


This is an afterthought. Try the repair before you get into this or which-ever you think you'd like to try getting into first, it's up to you.
You might have a bad copy of WLM12; Where are you getting WLM, through windows updates as an upgrade?

If through updates, delete/uninstall the update you have now for WLM, and then force another update check using the 'Check for updates' command in the left panel, second down. Test new update for suspected behaviour

You can definitely wait on this:
If you are still experiencing the same WLM behaviour, your windows updates may need a run with the SURT Tool or a Reset.


Related:
http://Windows Essentials 2012 system requirements | windows.microsoft.com

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hiyya Anak now what you have suggested is probably the best way to go because now you mention it - it could just be a bad copy of WLM. Might be worth a reinstall of Live and just pick out the Mail - untick everything else.
Windows Essentials - Microsoft Windows

 

[Anak]

I'm glad you mentioned that, that's a good idea ICIT2.

I've been thinking; If corri goes looking for WLM12 to delete it, I don't believe he will find it and there are only two ways (maybe a third see below.) to try an get a fresh copy:

1.) Through windows updates, I believe if you hide an update, then force a recheck, a new WLM12 update will appear, but I'm not sure.
2.) By doing the uninstall/reinstall of Windows Essentials. The update came out Dec. the 8th and microsoft added the update to the Windows Essentials package shortly after.


Corri, make sure you backup your live mail completely because you may have to import them; From what I've seen, WLM calls it Export/Import.

I saw one other forum post that the reinstall goes better if you still have or have used a Hotmail account, WLM12 repopulates its addies, contacts, and other structure from there.

Corri, check to see if you have KB 3093594 under Installed Updates. This link has an explanation of what's going on, and the update link for WLM: http://Windows Live Mail 2012 requires an update to keep using it | www.neowin.net

If you don't have 3594 installing it may help, if WLM is still on the blink you will have to try the repair/reinstall of WLM12 (Windows Essentials).


Related:
Members over at Tenforums discussing WLM12 update.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Ok Anak mate I have my Live stuff in Programs and Features and as I only use the mail service I know I am just going to uninstall it after keeping the download of Live Essentials first for quick "getaway".

The other source and I am not suggesting that corri goes there it is listed in the registry under CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows Live Mail and I think if push came to shove then Revo would be a good way of uninstalling.

The only thing about uninstalling that I find tedious is the downloading of all the mail again