OL98: Configuring Outlook as the Default E-Mail Client for MSN 2.5

RESOLUTION

To configure MSN 2.5 or later to use Outlook as the default e-mail client, use either of the following methods:

Using the MSN 2.5 Program Viewer

1. Determine your Outlook installation type. This is either "Corporate or Workgroup" or "Internet Mail." To determine your installation type, on the Outlook Help menu, click About Microsoft Outlook. The second line of the About Microsoft Outlook dialog box describes your installation type.
2. Use your browser to navigate to the following URL:

   http://memberservices.msn.com/us/default_help.asp

   NOTE: This URL contains an underscore in the "default_help.asp" page name.
3. In the left menu, click Frequently Asked Questions.
4. Under Community, click E-Mail.
5. Under Microsoft Outlook 98, click Can I use Microsoft Outlook 98 with MSN 2.5?, and then follow the instructions for your installation type.

Modifying the Registry to Set Outlook as the E-Mail Client

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

1. Click the Start button, and then click Run.
2. Type regedit, and then click OK.
3. Locate the following registry key:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MSN\Mail

4. In the right pane, double-click Client.
5. Replace the value data with Microsoft Outlook.
6. Click OK.
7. On the Registry menu, click Exit.

Modifying the Registry to Reset Outlook Express as the E-Mail Client

1. Click the Start button, and then click Run.
2. Type regedit, and then click OK.
3. Locate the following key:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MSN\Mail

4. In the right pane, double-click Client.
5. Replace the value data with Outlook Express.
6. Click OK.
7. On the Registry menu, click Exit.

This registry key determines which e-mail program starts when you select the E-Mail option on the MSN menu, and which mail program or account to use for e-mail notification. If you change this key to Microsoft Outlook, MSN uses Outlook as the default program (client).