How to reinstate WinMail onto Windows 8/10/11

[endeavor]

How to Reinstate WinMail onto Windows 8/10/11 ..incl Server
Windows 7 users go: Here

..updated January, 2024..​

   Warning

Microsoft no longer supports Windows Mail, aka WinMail. It's recommended you use another well known supported email client. Using WinMail on Win8 or especially Win10/11 is not supported, and is a special per-user decision who understands completely that reactivating WinMail 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 new Win10/11 OS updates from Microsoft Will Break WinMail's operation, and to fix makes 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 Win8/10/11/Server, these issues are programmatic and in most cases cannot be resolved by this tutorial, and will never be fixed.

Having said all that disclaimer, if you have the technical ability, and can put up with the annoying minor by-product bugs, then like so many of us still enjoy using WinMail on Windows 8/10/11/Server ...ymmv!

..The default language of this tutorials install is English..
​

Time Line Notes:
(click this spoiler button for details)

Spoiler: Important! Time Line Notes:

   Information

Important valuable information gathered from along the way over the years, detailed and noted here for reference:
(..don't consider this just mundane information, and better to use this information preemptively so it can save you from very difficult circumstances; otherwise after the fact when it's too late but you'll see it outlines your exact problem. The information is extremely helpful insight with the answers..)

Note: 2012 ..if you run SFC /SCANNOW on Win8/Win10/ (incl Win11) /Server (not Win7) ..most times it Will Break WinMail's operation each time you run it since it also overwrites many of the necessary files within your Windows Mail folder. Also know if you update from Windows 8 to 8.1 and especially Win10/ (incl Win11) /Server, as well with doing many major MS updates that come along, they Will stop WinMail from working by overwriting many of the needed WM programs folder files, etc, change permissions, etc; but no problem, just run through the complete tutorial process again which will put back in place anything that was broken.

Note: 7/2016 ..if doing a repair, then before proceeding, *** to clear any errant instances of WinMail.exe still running: reboot, or 'end task' on WinMail.exe ..iow, if doing a repair on WinMail because it won't start after an update, and you had been clicking WinMail.exe numerous times to open but it wouldn't - then be sure to reboot Before you start the repair to Clear any errant instances of those WinMail.exe that are still running (there can be many) ..or instead of rebooting you can open Task Manager and 'end task' on any/all running instances of WinMail.exe - in any case do it Before you proceed to delete/replace the program folder. The point is you can't (it won't let you) delete it if any instance of WinMail.exe is still running.

Note: 1/2018 ..starts Post #2 procedures which are ONLY for newer Win10 (incl Win11) versions - see Step 11 for its requirements

Note: 2/2018 ..for Windows 10 latest builds v1709+ (incl Win11) or Server 2019+, it is to know that after installing Updates and it breaks WinMail, you will have to re-do All The Steps on Post 1 & Post 2 again - trust me here, it's just faster/easier doing the complete way in the long run! You see, some updates delete/change a few files and registry entries, while others do it much more aggressively removing most all WinMail files and code, and so it's Much Quicker, More Efficient, Complete, and all inclusive to just run the entire procedures again to catch/fix all changes at once! A fresh install of Win10 1709+ now Requires both Post 1 & 2 anyway ..Feel Confident no matter how many times you run this Tutorial, its files and procedures were specifically made to Not change any current_user settings or message store, and so nothing of that will be touched. When you're familiar with doing the procedures, you'll be able to do it all in just a few minutes!

Note: 7/2019
The latest Updates/Upgrades of Windows 10, v1903+ (incl Win11) ..Will Further Break WinMail !!!
Because of the latest Win10 (incl Win11) updates/upgrades causing so many MSF corruptions lately - everyone should create a Full Backup Now while you have it working but especially Before You Upgrade! Not only will the Upgrade process remove most of the code that supports WinMail operation, but if you have an existing working WinMail setup present, it will now also corrupt your MSF (Message Store Folder) which contains all your past emails, overwriting accounts info, etc.
This is why it's Imperative that you First create a WinMail Backup 1, 2, 3 of the Backup/Restore procedures while it's fully working ..in order to have the Restore opportunity to perfectly recover from it when broken; also having even more transferable benefits.
For Windows 10 users who Upgrade builds over an existing one on v1903+ (incl Win11) ...as we should always Do Once A Month Anyway but Especially Before Any Installs or Upgrades - is to First Create a WinMail full Backup 1, 2, 3 using the Backup/Restore Procedures given in its spoiler below. Recently many people with their WinMail client working well, had upgraded to new Windows 10 (incl Win11) builds, and after going through the initial WinMail tutorial afterwards to re-instate WinMail, only to find their existing WinMail message store was left corrupted from the 'upgrade process itself' experiencing various errors, or the Save, Send, or Receive error message prompts 0x800C013E or 0x800C103C similar to these screenshots shown here:
(click this spoiler button for details)

Spoiler: Screenshots: Send, or Save, or 0x800C013E error messages

Or

Or

Or...

..or even without getting the errors shown in screenshots above, some users stated it still would not send or receive; or instead when opening WinMail it would just close! (Win10/11 OS's with WinMail behaves and errors differently than Vista/Win7/8)

The easiest fix to resolve any of these errors above (after you run though the initial procedures in Post 1 & 2 again to reinstate WinMail) is to take the known working full Backup 1, 2, 3 you've previously made, and perform a full Restore 1, 2, 3 of it ..and you'll be back up and running again in minutes. Note: The procedures details matter with this! Understand that this Restore is only as good as its Backup, so you must already have a previously fully working Backup 1, 2, 3 made in advance (zipped for incidental corruption protection). Realize the backup must be properly and fully working first, and properly created ..and of course must be properly restored, correctly.
If a Restore does not work, simply said, you did not do it correctly according to the instructions in one way or the other, before, or after. Refer to the spoiler 'Backup/Restore Procedure 1, 2, 3' below for full instructions and information.


One final note for everyone about this issue, don't mistake Send/Receive errors specifically related to not having your Accounts> Properties> Server & Advanced tabs not filled in properly, with Message Store Corruption Send/Receive errors ..of course these Account setup errors are a different issue.
When first setting up your Accounts, Everyone needs to check with and follow their Own particular Mail Server setup instructions given for these settings, and each company whether it be Comcast, Yahoo, Gmail, etc, each seems to be different in one way or another - so be attentive; and also whether you use IMAP or POP.

Note: 10/2021
To the generation of WinMail users who want to still use WinMail on Windows 11 (or even on Windows 10) ..We all should remember that WinMail is from 2006 technology, so there should be a thoughtful knowledgeable reason for an Advanced user to still use this going forward, and who has all the technical and security circumstances in mind, and understands them. In other words this is not just for the average person to use going forward for Windows 10 and Windows 11 Operating Systems. Using WinMail is only for Advanced users who have their own special reasons to use it, but most importantly they have advanced computer abilities and a full understanding around all possible technical circumstances from a to z in doing so.

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fwiw, before running this tutorial I've always temporarily disabled UAC, and the latest versions Windows Defender, just so as not to be bothered by any unnecessary nuisance prompts, but of course ymmv. I use a different AV anyway..

Caution: The Win7 Tutorial procedure will Not Work to reinstate WinMail on Win8/10/Server, or vice-versa!
Do not use the attached WinMailEdit.reg here with the one given in the Win7 Tutorial either because it's only for Win8/10/11/Server! ..if you do then during first install you'll lose SFC usage protection from breaking Win7 WinMail.
Use each tutorials own install procedure for the OS that it's posted for! Only the Backup/Restore Procedure is the same for all.

Warning: Besides Windows 8, if you're keeping a Windows 10 version Before v1709 or Before Server 2019 installed for your use, then Do Not Use Any Post 2 Procedures or any of its Attached Files or it will irrevocably break your WinMail installation and to recover that - would require a System Restore (or other) to reset. In conjunction with Post 1, Post 2 is additionally used Only for Win10 v1709+, Win11+, and Sever2019+ users, only!

<tidbit> If there are any Win10 v1703 users out there who still want to stay on v1703 in its older build b16193 or earlier (i can't imagine anyone but just in case) ..understand you can't upgrade past its b16193 point or it'll break WinMail's operation: see spoiler below "Circumvented Info 6/2017"; if however you specifically want v1703 but want to install its latest build (beyond b16199) you still can, but besides post 1 you'll now need to also include post 2 procedures to fix it. Note: in the tutorial to avoid any confusion with these v1703 build specifics, instead of listing v1703_b16199+ ...I just list it as v1709+

Note: Anywhere in the tutorial that there's a + after a version number, indicates it also includes all versions beyond that one; for instance, when it says v1709+ means v1709, 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909 and so on. Same with Server 2019+

Important WinMail Backup/Restore Procedures! A Must Read!
(click this spoiler button for details)

Spoiler: Backup/Restore Procedure 1, 2, 3

   Information

WinMail Backup/Restore Procedures
​

Do yourself a big favor right now - First, Create Backups!
It's imperative that you first create a Backup while you have your setup fully working, Before you do a Windows Update or Upgrade! It will prove to be of ultimate benefit going forward, because your WinMail Message Store Will Get Corrupted! ..and this 1, 2, 3 method below will be your only way to easily recover and restore it!

The reason for these backups is three fold: To easily repair/recover from a random WinMail caused corruption, or an OS upgrade that caused WinMail message store corruption or other corruption, or, importantly to be able to easily restore or transfer your perfectly working WinMail setup between the same, or from a previous build or OS version to a new one. And so Always create this full 1, 2, 3 backup procedure BEFORE you upgrade! Always have it ready to go! ..which enables you to always be ready and able to efficiently and easily recover from any WinMail mishap!

You create a backup After you already have WinMail fully setup with all options and settings the way you want, all Accounts and their settings, all Emails, all Newsgroups, and all their Folder structures, all your GUI settings, etc. So before you upgrade or do anything - be sure to create this WinMail full 1, 2, 3 backup for safety, so that you can always easily recover from any message-store corruptions or whatever happens; or you can also Restore or Transfer your entire WinMail setup to same, or another computer, or to different OS's right back to Exactly how it was on the source the day you created it, without the need for 'importing' which never gets things like folder structures right anyway.
This is a direct backup, and assumes you're using the default message store location folder.
There is nothing more comprehensive and completely accurate than this next manual Backup/Restore procedure.

Please be sure to have read in the previous Time Line spoiler, Note: 7/2019, and in general realize just how important it is that you always have available a recent Full Backup of these Backup/Restore procedures below, and the consequences if you don't with lost mail data - I can't impress upon everyone enough of how important this is going forward!

The only time you create a Backup is on a Fully Working WinMail setup. A Restore is done anytime After you've finished the reinstate procedures for your OS version, either after the main Step 12 or Step 15 depending on OS version; and anytime thereafter.

Create Backups:
Note: *Assumes your Windows Mail Message Store Folder (MSF) is in its original default location:
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Mail
(If it's not there, change it back to default, and check to see all is working and in order, before continuing please)
1. On your previous but up to date 'Already Fully Setup' and has been 'Fully Working' WinMail client (normally already full of your previous emails, newsgroups, and accounts) ..simply right click on and create a zip of this Message Store folder:
C:\Users\yourcomputername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Mail
..also referred to as: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Mail
It contains All Mail/News emails with All your individual Folder Structure layouts created, All Accounts info**, and more..
The important reason to .zip the MSF (Message Store folder) ..is to preserve it, Always having it readily available to restore, as is, able to unlimited times unzip its pristineness; never allowing any function ever able to modify its valuable contents.
2. Regedit: right-click Export this entire Folder Key below: (on your WinMail that's already fully setup and options done)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows Mail
It contains All Settings for the WinMail GUI Layout ..all Tools> Options Settings, Columns, Rules, etc.
3. Open WinMail, go to Tools> Accounts> and highlight Each Account and click the Properties button, click the Servers tab, and write down or better yet copy/paste into a text file the username & password - Do This For Each Account! ..Everything else throughout all accounts settings there, already gets saved automatically in step 1 above when creating the MSF backup.
Tip: If you forgot your password and want to reveal what's behind the xxxx asterisk bullets, use This Program to reveal them.
Now save all Three of these backups above aside - to somewhere other than your current hard drive..

To Restore:
When you do a fresh install of a new Windows OS, or an OS Upgrade, or OS Update, and then to setup WinMail again afterwards you First run through all the appropriate steps on its corresponding OS WinMail tutorial, in order to reverse the WinMail regression done. Then before opening WinMail - restore those 3 items you've previously created above, like this:
1. Delete the Windows Mail MSF (Message Store folder) that's currently there, then extract the zip of your Latest saved MSF in its place - Be Careful when you Replace the Current Windows Mail MSF: ..first you Delete it, then extract your zip backup one in its place - also understand it needs to be at the Exact Path! You can select to Extract Here, but no matter what just Be Sure you Do Not end up with Two nested: "Windows Mail\Windows Mail" MSF folders one inside the other, breaking default path and eventually corrupt. The Windows Mail MSF path here, must be this:
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Mail
Do Not extract/copy/paste the MSF on top of itself or its contents, which causes additions, mixing, and sure corruption, so understand you need to Delete the old folder first, then, place the working backup one in its place! That's So Important!
2. Merge the latest saved registry export of your personal HKCU reg saved above. (double-click, or, right-click on reg and select merge)
3. To complete** the last item of the Accounts restore, security, after opening WinMail you only need to re-enter the name/password of your mail and news servers. Go to Accounts> Properties> Server tab, and there enter them in the slots for it, and is the preferred way (or instead when you first connect to your mail server it'll prompt you to enter them, but don't forget to check-mark the Remember box) You should know what your servers name/pass are anyway having them saved in txt file somewhere. **(Everything else within the Accounts settings, gets restored with step 1)

This 3 step Backup/Restore process is many times faster and much More Accurate than any other method, matching its complete source layout so that when you open WinMail, Everything, is already setup Exactly like its source in every detail, fully setup with All Emails, Accounts, Settings, complete WinMail client GUI layout, including exact mail folder structures layout, etc.
Obviously 'Always' keep your backups dated very current!

Last Resort:
If however you Did Not make or have a backup available to restore (Don't Let That Happen!) ..especially for Windows 10/11 and you have WinMail message store corruption errors of any kind as outlined in the Time Line spoiler Note 7/2019, or Other.. ..then as a last resort, in order to remove the message store corruption without that important backup: Close WinMail, and you'll need to 'Delete' the message store folder. Now when you start WinMail 'Without' one, it will create a brand new message store folder from scratch, everything set default, new xxx.oeaccount numbers, and all empty folders ..and unfortunately you'll now need to proceed the long way around to set WinMail all up from scratch again... ...However...
...click this spoiler button for other restore possibilities:

Spoiler: ...other last resort methods from other types of backups

Other last resort (but good methods) to recover MSF data from could also be:
..If you were geek enough to have previously saved a full Partition Image backup of your C:\ Partition at some point in time, and it had WinMail working on it, then a good choice is you can either just copy its 'dated' MSF out and use that if necessary; or, you have the option to do a full Partition Image restore with it, which lets you start with it working from its particular dated time-stamp.
..or..
You also could try the limited Windows built-in Restore Point method, if enabled, will give you limited days and chances to possibly restore back to how it was before you started your Win10/11 'Update' (but it will not restore from a full Win7 to Win10/11 'Upgrade' though) ..and only gives a few dated restore points to choose from, which fall off the list with time And with each one used - and so on your first try be sure to choose the time-stamp date that's a full day 'Before' it broke! Anyway this is why Partition Imaging is far superior to Restore Points as it has No Limitations.

To save yourself all this effort, and lost mail, etc ..simply follow the 1, 2, 3 Backup & Restore procedure as outlined above. Create and maintain a recent Full Backup 'in advance' to always have it ready to go! ..Whether it be for MSF corruption recovery, or for transferring your WinMail setup to another OS! ..it takes just a few minutes to create them, and when needed (you will) ..it takes just a few minutes to restore saving you so! much! hassle! - it can be a real lifesaver!

There is nothing more comprehensive and completely accurate than this manual Backup/Restore procedure.

Obviously the MSF restore procedure Will Not transfer properly if your Source setup already has corruption. Your MSF folder must be fully working properly at the time you make a backup of it!. *A restore may also not work correctly for those who have moved their MSF from its default location to another - and so don't move it!

   Note

These above 1, 2, 3 'WinMail to WinMail' Backup/Restore Procedures only, applies to all: Vista/Win7/Win8/Win10/11/Server, and a working (MSF) Message Store Folder and its HKCU (..!when done as directed!..) ..can all be exchanged/transferred back-n-forth from one OS to the other it makes no difference - I do it all the time and works flawlessly! ..it's a wonderful, helpful, easy, process!

>>> To protect WinMail on Win10/11 you can decide to have control over when Windows Update is able to run - see Post 5 <<<

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Extra Notes:
~ I realize at the bottom of this tutorial there is also a related tutorials link for a (2007 Vista Version) Import/Export Backup and Restore article, which is best for older non-Microsoft mail clients. It can be used for WinMail although it's not nearly as good or complete as this 1, 2, 3 method above which again is specifically for 'WinMail to WinMail' setups = I Much Prefer the 1, 2, 3 method for a number of beneficial reasons already discussed throughout!
~ On Win10/11 upgrades especially, do not use the old import/export .iaf account file method!..
..click this spoiler button to see why:

Spoiler: Windows 10 - Do Not use .iaf export/import = explanation

On Windows 10/11 upgrades especially, do not use the old export/import .iaf account file methods - it cannot fix the MSF corruption that happens from the Win10/11 upgrade process itself, but if used furthers that corruption by mixing old xxxx.oeaccount info into a 'Before and After' upgrade conflict where erroneous accounts info gets added.
Use the full 1, 2, 3 Backup/Restore procedure above instead assuring to prevent/circumvent those problems, and more!
For one thing an export .iaf file contains info for one account only and so you need to create one for each account, if you have 15 accounts you'd need to export for each one but that's not the real problem ..iaf files contain and export more than just name/passwords, they also export other associated xxxx.oeaccount info, and so when MSF accounts gets corrupted from the upgrade process itself, you further corrupt it by mixing now non-compatible .iaf account info that's not able to rectify corruption caused by the upgrade process itself - either way though, WinMail will not operate properly..
..So, to properly revert MSF corruption after an upgrade, only use the 1, 2, 3 Backup/Restore procedure above. The Restore process will restore EVERYTHING proper all at once, in perfect order, exactly how it was the day you created it!

~ When you reinstate WinMail and are 'Not' using the Backup/Restore procedure and you have another message source, do the rest of the tutorial which starts a fresh WinMail and sets it up from scratch - then if needed because of a non-WinMail mail client message source, you can use the built-in import features (only supports some older clients) ..it's not as good, but sometimes better than nothing if it's your only choice. Otherwise simply start a fresh slate from scratch with your first email, etc.

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Win8/10/11/Server x86/x64
Reinstate WinMail: (Please understand everything on these posts is for advanced computer users only)
1. If this is a fresh install and you 'do not' have any previous 'working' WinMail setups that you want to bring forward, then you can skip this and go to step 2. Otherwise it's Imperative that Anyone who has WinMail fully working and wants to Preserve its footprint, being able to restore/recover/transfer it "as is," Especially Win10/11 users your message store will get corrupted during upgrades and this is the only way to restore it, then Before proceeding to Upgrade your OS you must Preserve Everything by First creating a full 'Backup' of the Backup & Restore procedure. Read the Backup/Restore Procedure 1, 2, 3 spoiler above for full information on when, why, and how to do that. !
2. Go to Folder Options, and set these settings as shown in my screenshot below: (click this spoiler button to see screenshot)

Spoiler: Screenshot of Folder Options settings

When finished if you prefer, you can put the settings back; I personally leave it, ymmv

3. Install Brinks Take Ownership reg from Here (..or for Win10 Here, but registry lines are identical)
4. Then right click on your "Program Files\Windows Mail" folder and click Take Ownership...
..always using "Program Files\Windows Mail" folder only! ..x64 users Never touch/use that other folder there called: ''Programs Folder (x86)'' !
5. Then right click on your "Program Files\Windows Mail" folder, and Delete it ***(see Time Line Note: 7/2016)
6. Then extract, and copy/paste the attached, x86, or, x64 'Windows Mail' folder in its place... (match your OS bit)
All the Correct files needed are Attached at the bottom of these posts to download - confirm and match your OS bit, x86 or x64; you cannot mix files from one bit into the other!
7. Create a shortcut from the program folder 'WinMail.exe' file you just copied there - to the Desktop (use to start WM 'After' you're all done)
8. extract, copy/paste the attached "msidcrl30.dll'' file over to "C:\Windows\System32\msidcrl30.dll'' (again match your OS bit)
9. extract, merge the attached WinMailEdit.reg (..this reg is for both x86 and x64)
10. extract "Update_5-2018.zip" (bug fix) copy/paste revised msoe.dll to WM programs folder (thanks dadreamer for your work on this and its reg)

Spoiler: Screenshot: results of Update 5/2018, fix for Advanced Tab

(click image to open full size)

11. Only for Win10 v1709+/Sever2019+/Win11+ users Must Now continue to Post #2 to finish before opening WinMail, Otherwise for all Earlier versions of Win8/Win10/Server stay on post #1 going to step 12 below - you're finished, you Do Not do post #2 !
(anywhere in the tutorial that there's a + after a version number, indicates it also includes all versions beyond that one)
12. You are done..
~ Start WinMail and she opens immediately...
...from here you setup the Windows Mail client as normal...
(click this spoiler button for more MSF Restore info)

Spoiler: More information about the timing of using the MSF Restore Procedure:

For those users who already had WinMail working great on another computer setup, and have done a new fresh OS install elsewhere; or have bought a new computer; or have updated their OS, etc, and want to transfer their current or other working WinMail MSF (message store folder) setup, GUI layout, settings, etc, completely 'AS IS' to their new computer setup (or even same setup) ..please go back and fully read and understand the full 'Backup/Restore Procedure 1, 2, 3' spoiler information above on how to do that.

You can do a MSF Restore at anytime After you're finished with your initial WinMail re-instate procedures for your OS version, which is either after Step 12, or Step 15 depending on OS version, or anytime thereafter.

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After correctly doing steps 1-12, I had WinMail start up within minutes on each of these OS's as shown below..
..installed/tested on both x86/x64

Here's the first open WinMail screenshots I made in 2012 using it on:
Win8 beta CP, then to Win8.1 Pro, Server 2012 R2, Server 2016
(click this spoiler button to see all these OS screenshots)

Spoiler: Screenshots of WinMail on Win8 CP, to Win 8.1 Pro, Server 2012 R2, Server 2016

(click any images to open full size)

Windows 8 Consumer Preview, 2012

Windows 8.1 Pro, 2013

Server 2012 R2

Server 2016

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Here's more WinMail screenshots made on the first:
Win10 Preview, then to Win10 pro v1507, v1511, v1607, v1703_pre-b16199
(click this spoiler button to see all these OS screenshots)

Spoiler: Screenshots of WinMail on Win10 Technical Preview, to v1507, v1511, v1607, v1703_pre-b16199

(click any images to open full size)

Win10 Technical Preview

Windows 10 v1507, b10240

Windows 10 v1511, b10586

Windows 10 v1607 b14393

Windows 10 v1703, b15063
(For more info about staying with this particular version, go back and see spoiler "Time Line Notes" and look under "<tidbit>")
..anything beyond b16199 with v1703 here, also requires post #2 procedures to fix it.

All new screenshots for newer versions of Win10/11/Server will now be put in Post #2​

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(click this spoiler for more info within)

Spoiler: Circumvented Info 6/2017

6/2017
Microsoft has removed the OE legacy code of WinMail, see within article here:
Features removed or deprecated in Windows 10
This further affects/breaks Win10 WinMail users starting at Windows 10 v1703 b16199 onward
Windows 8 and Windows 7 WinMail users were unaffected

Updated 1/2018
WinMail is now working again on Windows10 v1703_b16199+ (onward) ..see/implement Post #2 to fix it!
(to avoid any v1703 build confusion - I just list it as v1709+ (for more info see "<tidbit>" in Time Line spoiler)

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For using WinMail on Win10 v1709+ incl Win11 ...see Post #2 for more information
All new procedures & screenshots for newer versions of Win10/11/Server will now be put in Post #2
_____________________________
​

   Tip

As of January, 2024, the instructions given here supersede all other instructions given in forthcoming older posts. Realize some of the posts that follow are over 12 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

Good luck, and long live WinMail

...log in and click the Like button when you're done, it's much appreciated... logging in allows other benefits...

Related Tutorials

---

• Backup/Restore Procedure ''WinMail to WinMail'' (See "Backup/Restore Procedure 1, 2, 3" Spoiler Above) (Latest Version)
• Built-in Import/Export Backup and Restore (2007 Vista Version)
• Windows Calendar - Import into Windows 7
• Windows Mail - Windows 7 Help Forums

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[endeavor]

..updated January, 2024..
WinMail Additional Steps Needed For
Windows 10 v1709+ ..incl Windows 11
..incl Server 2019+
​

( ! Do Not use these Post 2 steps on earlier OS versions than what's listed here or it will irrevocably break WinMail operation; requiring a System Restore (or other) to reverse ! )
~ ! These next steps are Only for Win10 v1709+ / Server 2019+ / Win11+ ..all earlier versions of Win10/Win8/Server stay on Post 1 !
~ If you are installing the latest Win10/11 versions listed, then be sure, do not begin to use these next steps below without First completing steps 1-11 above, skip step 12, and before opening WinMail, do these steps below:

13. extract, copy/paste contents of the attached x64 or x86 -System32.zip, to the System32 folder (match OS bit) .(Yes to any file overwrites, and if necessary, use Take Ownership on any 'single file' for its 'release' to be able to replace it)
14. extract, then merge Both of the Two attached .reg files (reg_v1709+.zip & 5-2018_UpdateReg.zip) . (reg's are for both x86 and x64) . 9
15. Then you are done..
~ Start WinMail and she opens immediately..
..from here you setup the Windows Mail client as normal...

After, doing those last steps, now Be Sure to set WinMail as the Default Mail Client if desired (is needed for various functions)
Complete the settings as shown in these two screenshots:

Spoiler: Screenshots of How To Set WinMail Default Mail Client

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After, you set WinMail default as shown above, then if desired you can also set WinMail to be able to open individual .eml extension files manually, and one easy way would be by clicking on any .eml file, and set the GUI prompt like this:

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All the latest v1709+ WinMail fixes are included in post 2, including Advanced Tab fix assist & SendTo Mail Recipient - MAPI

Spoiler: Screenshot of MAPI now fixed on v1709+

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Here's more screenshots I made upon first open of WinMail, on each of these OS versions below:
..installed/tested on both x86/x64 where applicable.

Windows 10 Pro, v1709

Spoiler: Win10 Pro v1709

(click image to open full size)

Windows 10 Pro, v1803

Spoiler: Win10 Pro v1803

(click image to open full size)

Windows 10 Pro, v1809

Spoiler: Win10 Pro v1809

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Windows 10 Enterprise, v1809 LTSC

Spoiler: Win10 Enterprise v1809 LTSC

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Server 2019

Spoiler: Server 2019

Server Standard with Desktop Experience (x64)
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Windows 10 Pro, v1903

Spoiler: Win10 Pro v1903

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Windows 10 Pro, v1909

Spoiler: Windows 10 Pro, v1909

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Windows 10 Pro, v2004

Spoiler: Windows 10 Pro, v2004

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Windows 10 Pro, v20H2

Spoiler: Windows 10 Pro, v20H2

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Windows 10 Pro, v21H2

Spoiler: Windows 10 Pro, v21H2

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Windows 11 Pro, Dev

Spoiler: Windows 11 Pro, Dev

See related post: Here
Also See post #1 spoiler: Important Timeline Notes: Note: 10/2021
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Windows 11 Pro, 21H2 b22000.51

Spoiler: Windows 11 Pro, 21H2 b22000.51

See related post: Here
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Windows 11 Pro, 21H2 b22000.194

Spoiler: Windows 11 Pro, 21H2 b22000.194

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Server 2022

Spoiler: Server 2022

Server Standard with Desktop Experience (x64)
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Windows 11 Pro, 22H2 b22621.1105

Spoiler: Windows 11 Pro, 22H2 b22621.1105

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Please read post #1 spoiler: Important Timeline Notes: Note: 10/2021

_________________________________________________________

Everything was fully proven out, also file/registry simplified the procedure, and removed unnecessary redundancy.
Everything was Tested / Working on my own live setups.

Please be sure you read and understand the Errata (Bug List) linked on the first post
_________________________________________________________

Remember: as it says in the post 1 spoiler notes, that going forward when you install a new Windows Update or Upgrade and it breaks WinMail for most OS versions in this post 2, you will Always have to perform the steps in Both Posts 1 & 2 again to fix it. Also in most update/upgrade scenarios It Will Require you to also do a Restore of the Backup/Restore Procedure 1, 2, 3 if you want to save your previous accounts and messages restored untouched, otherwise they Will Be removed/corrupted/unfixable - and so be sure to create a Backup of the Backup/Restore Procedure 1, 2, 3 in the first place! ..Please read and understand all information within the spoiler notes on the first post.

Good luck, and long live WinMail

..log in and click the Like button when you're done, it's much appreciated... logging in allows other benefits...

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[endeavor]

Please Read Before Posting!...(updated January, 2024)

..(click spoiler button for full details within)..

Spoiler: For New & Long Time members...

For newer members who are reading Post 1 & 2 of this WinMail Tutorial for the first time, please understand it's for Medium to Advanced computer users only, and anyone who does not understand computers and have a good feel how to maneuver around on them quite well, should Not be attempting this WinMail project; having said that it's quite easy for Advanced computer users.

For everyone, if you are having a problem and something is not working:
..take a long pause to think about it, and read everything before posting, and please go back and read the entire Tutorial again, and again, and again, especially paying extra attention to what's in the first two spoilers on Post #1; actually everything really. ..Many years of time, effort, and understanding are jam packed into this tutorial, and every question anyone could ever have, and has already been asked, those answers have already been painstakingly and thoughtfully incorporated one way or the other into the tutorial. The Tutorial is also continually being updated often! All instructions are worded and crafted in such a way for a reason and purpose - for you to achieve a successful outcome!
I do not offer random PM support. All researched and thought-out questions should be posted to the forum please.
After accomplishing all of the above, and you still need help, then if you do post please provide your OS version and build, and a Full Detailed Description of what's wrong, and I'll be most happy to help you. History shows us though that 99.9% of the time, answers to most questions were because the user forgot to apply one of the attachments, or the wrong one, or not properly follow the directions assuring things are placed correctly - because rest assured when done correctly, the WinMail Tutorial is 100% working!

For long time users.. on Vista, Win7 or Win8, and Especially Win10/11 users! ..and your WinMail setup has been working fine for years and you want to keep it 'as is' fully intact, and update forward, please listen carefully: Do Not proceed installing, upgrading, or even do any updates on Windows 10 until you First create a Full Backup, of the Backup & Restore instructions 1, 2, 3 ..and always keep that Backup current, meaning, at least once a month create a new one, save it aside off of your current drive; even keep a few of your last dated backups. Do not proceed without this Backup! A few minutes of your time can save your (WinMail) life when the time comes and you need it - and for sure that time will come! Without that backup, you will have to start over from WinMail default, scratch, and have lost your entire message store, etc.

I actively encourage Everyone to be their own tech support method by completely reading and understanding the process of this tutorial, and once you 'get it' you will have complete control over your WinMail client; well, at least always being able to at any moment, restore it back to your last saved working backup - so be sure to keep that Backup current!

Ultimately, your ultimate best defense against ever losing Any data (besides the Backup & Restore procedures which is just for WinMail) ..but for All your drives data - is to create and maintain a recent Partition Image Backup of your OS partition (or the whole drive) ..you do that with your favorite drive imaging software - I personally do Both! (The OS's built-in Restore Point can be used for overall general data restore, and sometimes for reverting WinMail; however as explained in the tutorial it has a number of limitations!) (I turn it off since I only use drive imaging)

 

[endeavor]

WinMail Language Localization
(using original MS language files)

Updated Wording, 2021
​

For Advanced computer users only, and for experienced WinMail users only, please, thank you.

(click spoiler button for more details)

Spoiler: WinMail Language Notes

The WinMail Language project was previously done, fully tested and proven, but was never posted in its finalized form because there were a few important variations to consider. As time has gone on though, I've occasionally tested/updated and streamlined the process even more as the years have gone by, and experience has grown.
At first I considered to post all information and files here giving users ability to change WinMail from English, to the language that their OS was installed as, and set to. The reasons I've not yet are complex and valid, and because of these variations, I'll just leave it as request only, where I'm assured of your successful outcome.

* When available, it will be done via Forum request only. I do not accept PM requests for help.
Only one new language request for each member at a time please (in either x86 or x64)

​

For Advanced computer users only, and for experienced WinMail users only, please, thank you.

** 1. Post a 'Forum' request first, and specify your OS and whether x86 or x64, and what language you want.
Note: You must have already used the above WinMail Tutorial attached files to have reinstated your WinMail already, since all procedures and files here require each other and all work together in tandem, leaning toward using Win7 version files. It's why I use the Win7 Ultimate Language files in tandem with the tutorial files given, since I've found this combination offers me greater flexibility than using Vista ones when implementing language changes, without also having to revert other various dll versions all the way back to 2006 status. Simplicity, less changes, safety, and ease of use is my goal here.
There are a few ways to accomplish the language task, but I've put together the one that is very best for this tutorial!

** 2. With you having already used this tutorials files to reinstate WinMail, please show me you have WinMail Fully working in English! It is important because before I'll spend this amount of time to get the files together for you, I want to make sure specifically that you have used/placed all the files attached from this tutorial. So in order for me to determine that, then after you post your forum request I'll ask you to contact me via PM, and send me 3 Screenshots. Please create and send via PM only, Screenshot #1 of your WinMail setup 'opened' so that I can see it, and that you can Send/Receive current dated emails already - and that everything is working okay. Also show me Screenshot #2 of your WinMail 'About Box' opened (top tab go to Help> About) ..so that I can see it for WM version verification. I also need to know that you can set up all your accounts in English having everything working already able to Send/Receive email - so please give Screenshot #3 to show using English you already have your Accounts (Tools> Accounts) already setup.. ..and No please! I do Not Need or Want to see or know any of your Personal information in any way at all (edit those parts out of the screenshot is fine) ..I simply want to verify what I need to know to proceed, in order to have you successfully achieve your goal.
Please be sure to send all 3 Screenshots!


When your WinMail install is verified, you'd give me a week or more to install your requested language via Win7, and then distribute it to that same OS as your request, then test & verify. Then I'll copy your language files out and zip, then give you your language file-set via .zip attachment, via PM, along with instructions how to transfer that to your own OS.

Because I only know how to speak English, Please, you must be very good at understanding English for good communication between the both of us - in order for us to understand and communicate with each other properly.
Thank you!

** Note:
Due to time constraints, language requests are only done on a very limited basis if at all, and only for those that thoroughly follow All the steps above in this message for step 1 and especially step 2 please. Thank you!

..WinMail Tutorial Future Post Placeholder..​

.

 

[endeavor]

Updated, January, 2024
Extra Helpful Information

​

Information about AntiVirus usage:
(click spoiler button for more details)

Spoiler: AntiVirus

I wanted to say this in the beginning of the tutorial, I started to type it, but realized it's long enough as it is, so I will say it here below:
Use a good Anti Virus that will also cover your email client in some way. Don't be naive thinking it won't happen to you, and best not to view WinMail email in HTML unless you are adept with everything about it, and importantly adept at resolving the consequences that 'if' by chance you're fed some malicious code via html viewing, or attachments, that you can fully recover from any and all mishaps. It will happen sooner or later (hopefully not of course) but don't fool yourself thinking it'll never happen to you, so again play it safe!
The same is true of all email clients though, should use a minimal AV of some sort; as well as for all-round computer safety!
Be Wise, Be Safe, and have backups of Everything! Best yet is to also have a current dated full OS partition image backup!

Win10/11 information about controlling Windows Update, to have it run Only when You want it to, etc...
(click spoiler button for more details)

Spoiler: Win10/11, WU & Telemetry Information

I only support WinMail in this thread, however I wanted to say there are easy ways to tame Windows 10/11. ..For instance you can manually turn off, or then turn back on Windows Update, with a program like Wu10Man or WUB, or use other programs that offer you various control of WU like WAU Manager ..or another one called Windows Update MiniTool.
My main point in mentioning these WU control programs here, is so that You can get more control on when a WU happens, so that you won't get surprised by your Windows Mail getting broken by a new WU until you are ready, and having had a chance to make a 'current' WM Full Backup 1, 2, 3 ...(which btw, you really should always have it ready anyway)

Important Note please: March, 2022
It seems MS in each new Win10 & Win11 update build they turn out lately, they keep changing (defeating) any programs like (Wu10Man, or WUB, or WAU Manager mentioned above) that we use to get control of WU. So, each time a new OS update happens it may break these programs from stopping a Next auto update. Until the coders of these programs create their own new version to fix it back, there is a lag time. My point is here Be Aware when you do a WU when you're using any of these alternate programs, it's up to You to keep track of what's working as it relates to your own OS build and program version. I'm not going to timely track the versions here in this post and so again Be Aware. However of course always, always, have a Backup / Restore 1, 2, 3 ready to go, so that even if you get caught not ready, and a major WU auto happens (don't let it though) ..you will still be able to restore WinMail.
________________

There are also programs to turn off telemetry sending MS all your info, etc, like O&O Shutup10, or Privatezilla. ..Alternatively for all these programs mentioned above, if you want to do it yourself, you can spend the Time to Research and make most of these adjustments manually, via informative articles provided in the various tutorials over at TenForums, or other reputable sites.

..WinMail Tutorial Future Post Placeholder..​

.

 

[elbmek]

I am typing on my win 7 laptop at present, somehow, without my telling it, it switched to using outlook (which I have always hated) as default for outgoing mail and deleted my gmail notifier!!!! Cheek!! Just reinstalled gmail notifier and my emails are swimming in calm water. Dont like windows email systems, they are antique.

 

[nickybum]

Hi,

Hope you can help - I followed all the instructions as descrided in endeavor's post (#10) and thought it had all worked. However when i click on the new 'Windows Mail' desktop icon I get a mesage saying "windows mail could not bestarted because msoe.dll could not be loaded".

Have I done something wrong?

Appreciate your help

 

[Ex_Brit]

I have Windows Mail and Windows Calendar (they go together so its worth doing both) working perfectly in Windows 8, but warning, security issues could ensue as Microsoft wont be patching it through Windows Update because it is totally unofficial. That's why we decided not to copy those tutorials over to these forums.

How to use Winmail on Windows 8.

Windows Calendar - Import into Windows 7 - Windows 7 Forums

 

[lanesharon]

Tried it but kept getting that msoe.dll could not be loaded message also.

 

[lanesharon]

Here's a solution for all who want to use winmail and windows 8.

Updating 3 computers I have from Vista & 7 to 8. Giving up WinMail would have been impossible for me. I run several rare cancer groups and websites. I have wayyyy too many WinMail emails that need to be kept, full of info I need to consolidate.

YOU, mathew, are my angel tonight. Have been trying to do this for a half a day. Then someone directed me to this post. I can't tell you how grateful I am. THANK YOU !

 

[elbmek]

Gave up on winmail a long time ago, don't even think about it now. Gmail for me, no contest.

 

[lanesharon]

I have a Gmail account. And, a Yahoo one, and several of my own website ones. I like the fact that I can easily aggregate all of those accounts into one place and respond to any of the emails using the original 'sent to' email address. WinMail allows me to do that.

 

[lanesharon]

Does anyone know how I can change the Default email client to WinMail on Windows 8 so that when I click on a 'mailto' link, I can get WinMail to come up? I tried a registry fix, but it did not work.

 

[Carol]

Problem after installing WM on Windows 8.
Everything I post is in red & marked as a watched conversation. I tried
to change it here: Tools>Options>Advanced Tab but
My Advanced tab shows nothing under Settings. Compelely blank.
Any help on how to make this show would be very appreciated.

Thank you.
Carol




How can I correct this?

 

[Ex_Brit]

Problem after installing WM on Windows 8.
Everything I post is in red & marked as a watched conversation. I tried
to change it here: Tools>Options>Advanced Tab but
My Advanced tab shows nothing under Settings. Compelely blank.
Any help on how to make this show would be very appreciated.

Thank you.
Carol




How can I correct this?

Not sure but I would assume with Windows Mail that you haven't followed the Windows 7 guide to the letter.
How to use Winmail on Windows 8.
That's assuming you mean the old WM from Vista.
Or see post #43 above.

 

[Carol]

Ok, I'll recheck.

 

[Ex_Brit]

I got mine to work, but I think it was more a lucky break than skill in my case. We didn't publish a tutorial here because we decided that WM is not the best choice for mail client on 8 as we are now talking two operating systems since it was officially supported.
I think it's a great shame that Microsoft dropped it in favour of Windows Live Mail. WLM is fine unless you have multiple accounts and then all those sets of folders become a royal pain in the you-know-what.

 

[Carol]

I could never get WLM to work correctly. It froze up almost everytime I opened it and I'd have to repair it.
It would work then until I closed it. I wanted to see newsgroups so Outlook didn't help either so opted to
install Windows Mail. Everything works fine on it except I can't change my watched conversations setting which
is a minor problem compared to WLM's frustration.

Thanks for the help.
Carol

 

[Ex_Brit]

Well good luck. I'm afraid with unofficial mail clients it's always a game of hit and miss unfortunately.

 

[Rat1960]

I got lucky. I had winmail.exe from a vista 64 operating system on my machine where I put windows 8 pro.
As such all my stuff was in \users\ME etc. and I kept those files.
As an administrator I opened file explorer and renamed "\program files\Microsoft Mail" to "\program files\Microsoft Mail8"
There are hidden and loaded files in that directory.
I then copied the windows mail files from vista creating the directory "\program files\Microsoft Mail".
msidcrl30.dll I placed in the same directory rather than system and running the 64bit regsrv32.exe in system32 or the 32bit regsrv32.exe in syswow64.
Rebooted the machine, went to the directory, fired off windows mail and that was that, straight back to my inbox.