Resetting Windows Mail

I am having difficulty resetting Windows Mail. I want to start off with a clean new version of the program. I have already exported the messages and contacts to a safe place on my desktop. I am at the point where I need to get into regedit and locate Windows Mail and delete it. I get to that point and I get the following message: Cannot delete Windows Mail. Error while deleting key. I have played with privlidges, ownership, log in as administrator, safe mode with no success. I currently have ownership and have full privlidges. I will be glad to supply more details if needed.

My problems with WM occurred about a month ago. What I was attempting to do was start off with a fresh copy of Vista with SP's and important updates installed. I got that done. Then I wanted to get WM messages and contacts from my backup (physically seperate but in same tower so I can boot from either or) HD transfered into my main HD. I couldn't seem to get the export/import approach to work, so I just cut and pasted. Well, some messages made it all the way and others didn't. Also, now whenever I log into WM, a new recovered message folder appears in my local folder.

I plan to in the next day or so of going to Live Mail. It definitely sounds good. I just want to make sure that I can import my messages and contacts that are now on my main HD's desktop. If I can't, I am steering towards trying to get the messages and contacts imported from the desktop and into WM. Then, when I am confident that I got a good transfer, is when I plan on going to Live Mail. It sure would be easier to go to Live Mail right now!

Welcome
No need to delete, if that is a problem.
You can just update to Winodws Live Mail 2011 and it will be updated. If you prefer another service such as Thunderbird; download and set it as default.

yooper said:

I am having difficulty resetting Windows Mail. I want to start off with a clean new version of the program. I have already exported the messages and contacts to a safe place on my desktop. I am at the point where I need to get into regedit and locate Windows Mail and delete it. I get to that point and I get the following message: Cannot delete Windows Mail. Error while deleting key. I have played with privlidges, ownership, log in as administrator, safe mode with no success. I currently have ownership and have full privlidges. I will be glad to supply more details if needed.

Click to expand...

If you mean delete as in " uninstalled ", it cannot be done.
WM is part of your Vista system. It lives and dies with the system.

Perhaps you would not mind disclosing the problems you have with WM, then we may be able to help.

As mentioned to you already, it would be best just install Windows Live Mail (WLM) and leave WM alone.
Microsoft no longer supports Windows Mail (WM) since about 2+ years ago.
WLM is supposed to replace WM.

Here are 2 links to download/install WLM ......
Windows Live Mail 2011 version download :
Windows Live Mail 2011

Windows Live Mail 2009 version download :
Download Windows Live Mail 2009 - FileHippo.com

To save you from asking ......

WLM 2009 version has a very similar layout as in WM. You don't have to pull your hair looking for the buttons such as Tools, View etc., except Sync button replaces Send/Receive button.

WLM 2011 has very different layout. You'll have to re-learn where the buttons are.

I tried both versions and settle on 2009 version.