Q: I did not realize Windows Mail is not included in Windows 7 Professional. Is there a way to get it back?
A: Outlook Express was replaced by Windows Mail in Windows Vista, but with the release of Windows 7, even that has disappeared, along with Windows Messenger and a few other items.
To be honest, that's good news for those of us who never used these tools. But for those who did, you can get them back -- maybe.
The official replacements are all now part of Windows Live. For Windows Mail, you can now download its replacement, the free Windows Live Mail. If you miss your Windows Messenger, then get Windows Live Messenger. Just visit http://download.live.com and create a free account and start downloading.
So the replacements are there; Microsoft has simply removed the years of duplication by making Windows Live the official, single set of tools you can download and use if you like.
The problem, of course, is migration. The Microsoft page above indicates that you can Import directly from Outlook Express and Windows Mail folders stored on your hard disk. I've also seen advice to actually download and convert to Windows Live Mail before upgrading or installing Windows 7.
The full list of applications "replaced" by downloads from Windows Live includes:
-- Outlook Express is now Windows Live Mail
-- Windows Address Book is now Windows Live Mail
-- Windows Calendar is now Windows Live Mail
-- Windows Contacts is now Windows Live Mail
-- Windows Mail is now Windows Live Mail
-- Windows Messenger is now Windows Live Messenger
-- Windows Movie Maker is now Windows Live Movie Maker
-- Windows Photo Gallery is now Windows Live Photo Gallery
There's no requirement that you download or use any of these replacements. In fact, it might be a good time to evaluate alternatives.
Opinions are solely the writer's. April Miller Cripliver of Chesterton holds a doctorate in management information systems and is a computer hardware and software consultant. E-mail your computer questions to nwitimes@cripliver.com, and specify your operating system and other pertinent PC information.
