Where is Windows Mail, or Outlook Express, in Windows 7?
Ask Leo, by Leo Notenboom
<http://ask-leo.com/where_is_windows_mail_or_outlook_express_in_windows_7.html?awt_l=GB5fF&awt_m=1ZoKiXztfZdfbL>

Just a little story. I got used to Windows XP, liked it, but got tired of limited usage, window explorer errors, not able to preview my digital Mpeg 4 files. I tried Vista 64 bit OS. After more frustration, not accepting my good and old programs, I returned that junky software with a brand new PC from the Future Shop. The PC should be renamend to Gates Way! The story continues. Bought Easy Media Creator 2009 from Roxio to replace the older version from 2008, hoping that it would work better with Vista. Program was very slow and crashing, did not notice any changes to the software except the new cover and graphics. The program was identical. I also forgot about the 32 and 64 bit headache. Another grab for money?! Unable to do my holiday videos and media files, I switched to Windows 7. This Roxio program would not even start on my Windows after downloading it and I was prompt to buy the upgrade to Roxio Creator 2010 from their website and to spend another 100 $. I am speechless. On top of that my digital camera Canon Power Shot, one of the best on market was not compatible, because the driver was not recognized and so is the installed software Zoombrowser I got used to and loved it. Another device would not work was the CapWiz, needed to transfer old analog files on HD and to make them digital. Another setback! There is no Outlook Express, so I am now stuck and start hating all this Windows and Creators. It is unbelievable how much money is asked for a new software and how little is made in effort to make it user friendly. I do not care about new appearances in software. I do not care about a fancy cover! I want a program that works, is compatible and not irritating, because I do not get paid for my lost time, like those messing up already good features in already existing and popular programs. Get rid off the bad stuff, improve it, add new and keep it the way it was originally designed to serve the people. Thank you.

I have switched to Incredimail - paid 29 $ for life - years ago. I like it and find it very practical, it has an extremely relyable backup and transfer feature. However, for all those who do not want to pay, I sincerely advice to install and use Mozilla applications instead. They are legally for free, work well, and Mozilla provides a backup-feature.
Anyway, I also advice to avoid all new versions of any microsoft programs unless you do not really have a problem with the old one. They are made uniquely for you to spend money!

I help senior citizens with computers and wish that Microsoft had included a basic e-mail program with System 7. I personally use Outlook so no problem. My wife wants Incredimail on hers and I experimented and found it will work on System 7. I will probably recommend Thunderbird to senior citizens since it has a rather plain page and shouldn't be much of a learning curve for them coming from Outlook Express. Windows Live Mail seems awkward. I didn't have much trouble converting from Vista as long as I paid attention to getting 64 bit downloads. That was more of a concern than moving to System 7 with printers, scanners, etc.

I replaced Vista with 7 because it was part of the computer purchase; took forever, between back-up,and download; it was O.K. EXCEPT that everything is tied to Windows Live; so that the startup suddenly was a slowup; and the contacts from OE got all fouled up; took ages to alphabetize, and then it insisted on first names first even when it was set for last names...so I did the only sensible thing; dumped it out, went back to Vista, and windows mail...much more manageable, and way faster....Windows Live arrogates to itself grabbing everything first....I don't see how that's improvement...

Can you use Windows Live Mail in Windows XP?