Windows

Change The Default E-Mail Program In Vista

Posted by on Feb 13, 2008 | 8 Comments

Windows Mail is the default e-mail program used by Vista and other programs. If you use a different e-mail client, such as Microsoft Outlook, you can configure a different e-mail program as the default.

To change the default e-mail program in Vista:

  1. Click Start, Default Programs, and click Set program access and computer defaults.
  2. Type in your administrator password if prompted.
  3. Click Custom under Choose a configuration.
  4. Under Choose a default e-mail program, select the program you want to set as the default.
  5. Click OK.
  • adam

    I tried to do this to make AOL my default email client. However, AOL does not appear in the list of programs. How do I get it in the list? Thanks in advance.

    -Adam

  • ailan

    Adam, follow the instructions, then when you get to the window where it lists the available programs, click on the “Help” button on top. It will tell you how to add programs to the default list.

  • Mack

    My version of vista does not have the browse feature showing up when I try to set a protocal to a nonlisted email program. Any suggestions? All that is listed is Live Mail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail. None of those are what I want handling my email but I can’t browse for anything else.

  • Ian

    The HELP doesn’t tell you how to add a program to the list. It merely states that, if a program is not listed, it isn’t registered in the REgistry and you need to contact the manufacturer.

    Phooey!

  • http://helpviavideo.com webmaster

    You may be doing something wrong in the “set default programs” in control panel. At helpviavideodotcom there is a video on how to change your default.

    Here is the link http://helpviavideodotcom/watch.php?vidid=15

    just change the dotcom to .com

  • http://AOLMail Brenda

    I have the same problem that Mack and Ian have. I’m not doing anything wrong. I’ve tried numerous times and everything possible, with no luck. I agree with Ian. Phooey! I want AOL Mail and can’t find out how to do it.

  • wendy

    same issue here. i keep changing my default and it keep defaulting back

  • http://TriviumQuiz.com Tony

    Do the following:-

    1) On your AOL toolbar, click the “Settings” icon.
    2) From the Preferences screen that opens, click “A-Z”
    3) Click “AOL as default”
    4) Click “OK”

    (Remember, this makes AOL your default mail client BUT it will also make it your default browser – if you use a different browser to AOL, remember to go to that browser’s settings later and select it as your default)