Unfortunately, re-installing Outlook Express (and, by extension since they always seem to come in pairs, Internet Explorer) is often not so easy an undertaking. As a program that comes with Windows, starting with a fresh installation of Outlook Express would usually mean starting with a fresh installation of Windows. Not a place you want to go, right?
Reinstall Outlook Express (and Internet Explorer)
Fortunately, you can install a new copy of Outlook Express if you can make Windows believe that what you install is a new version, or apply the latest service pack that contains a full install of Outlook Express again. This will mean different things on different systems, so make sure you get the right download and install the right version:
- Windows XP with SP 2: Download Windows XP Service Pack 2 Network Installation Package or get your SP 2 CD ready and re-install Service Pack 2.
- Windows XP without SP 2: Install Service Pack 2 via Windows Update. This should give you a fresh copy of Outlook Express without any further tweaks. Optionally, you can reinstall Internet Explorer 6 SP 1 and Outlook Express using the method described below.
- Windows NT 4/98/98 SE/ME/2000: Download Internet Explorer 6 SP 1 and follow the instructions below.
Reinstall Outlook Express and Internet Explorer 6 SP 1
To re-install Internet Explorer and Outlook Express on systems other than Windows XP with SP 2:
- Select Run... from the Start menu.
- Type "regedit".
- Click OK.
- Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\{44BBA840-CC51-11CF-AAFA-00AA00B6015C}.
- The key named (Default) will read Microsoft Outlook Express 6
- Double-click IsInstalled.
- Type '0'.
- Click OK.
- To re-install Internet Explorer as well, set the IsInstalled key for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\{89820200-ECBD-11cf-8B85-00AA005B4383} (Internet Explorer 6) to "0" in the same manner.
- Close the registry editor.
- Open the ie6setup.exe file you previously downloaded and follow the installation instructions.
