BleepingComputer.com: Can't make OE8 default email handler

I cannot open OE6 from internet links. It was defaulting to Outlook, so I tried all the usual changes to no avail:

First checked in OE options that it was set to default, it wasn't, Outlook was, so I changed it. Now when I click a link nothing opens.

Went to IE and did the same thing - tools/options/programs.. email is blank, pull down menu only shows Outlook.

Tried doing it through the registry by entering "command," then typing "C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe"
Windows gives me "cannot end program" mssg.

Can't go through the Control Panel. It's like Windows does not even recognize the program - like it's not there at all.

Any ideas are appreciated.

EDIT: Moved from XP forum to Web Browsing/Email, more appropriate ~ Hamluis.

This post has been edited by hamluis: 21 April 2010 - 06:47 PM

My experience is...installing MS Office (which includes Outlook email client) results in Outlook usurping the mail function settings.

My answer for this (since I don't like Outlook and do like Outlook Express) is to not install Outlook when I install any component/part of MS Office.

If you are not using Outlook...what's the point of installing it?

Louis

There is another place you can look.
Start Menu/All Programs/Set Program Access and Defaults.
Click Custom. Look under Choose a default email program.
If OE is listed, check it then click Apply.

You may need to re-register Outlook Express. See if this information helps.

True, I should have skipped Outlook when I installed Office. As far as going to "Set Program Access and Defaults," OE is not there. I spoke to a techie at the shop where I took my computer for a clean install a few months ago, and he said to reinstall, it, then import the old mssgs. For some reason I'm reluctant to do that so will see about re-registering. Thanks for the tips.

Outlook can be uninstalled...using Add/Remove programs.

A fresh install of Internet Explorer...results in Outlook Express being reinstalled.

Louis

This post has been edited by hamluis: 21 April 2010 - 05:51 PM

I didn't even think about that, I've had to do it in the past. I'll try it.

Thanks

I am just now getting around to trying to uninstall IE8. It's telling me certain programs will become unstable... my question is will I have to reinstall all those programs? Like 7-Zip and Spybot, Adobe Acrobat... many others.. will I get them back after I reinstall? I've done this before but it's been a long time and I don't remember getting that message.

Thanks in advance -

HVB

Can anybody answer my last questions? I was told this was the place to go to get answers. Please! I'm desperate!