How do I use mail on Windows 7?

How do I use mail on Windows 7? cover image
  1. Home
  2. Email
  3. How do I use mail on Windows 7?

I’ve had an old faithful computer for many years and have now got a new laptop. I know it has Windows but this version is different. How can I use my Yahoo mail on Windows 7? Please, I can only understand simple instructions.
Ayanda

My laptop doesn’t have Outlook Express. Why does Microsoft have to change everything and confuse users? Could you tell me how I can get mail on the Windows 7 computer?
Nathaniel Robinson

There are two standard methods to use mail on a Windows 7 – actually any computer for that matter. The first is to employ a web browser, and the second is with an email client. Both these programs are factory installed in the new operating system.

Sponsored Links

It’s hard to say which method is better because each has its merits and disadvantages – the choice depends entirely on you. Generally, accessing mail with a browser is preferred by beginners while more experienced users employ a program to download email to a computer which would be accessible even without an internet connection. Here are the details of the two methods to use mail on your Windows 7 laptop or desktop computer.

Check mail on Windows 7 with a web browser

The default web browser on Windows 7 operating system is Internet Explorer (obviously). However, you can download and install a different one if you like – take your pick from the list of web browsers. My favourite web browser is Google Chrome and it’s the first software I put in my Windows 7 laptop.

Anyway, you would check mail on Windows 7 just as you would have done on an earlier version of Windows operating system whether it was XP or Vista. Start the web browser and point it to the web site of the email service provider. Enter the username and password and you should gain access to your account. A few things can go wrong since this is a new Windows 7 system and it’s configuration and settings may be different than the older computer – please take note of the following.

Employ a mail program on Windows 7

Both Outlook Express and Windows Mail Vista are missing on the new operating system. The default mail program on Windows 7 is Windows Live Mail which looks quite different from the earlier free Microsoft email programs you would have used. The basic function is, however, the same – sending, receiving and storing email messages. FYI, the new email client can also serve as an RSS reader and a blogging tool -Learn how to use Windows Live Mail.

Now to use mail on Windows 7 Live Mail, you have to set up a new account just as you had done on Outlook Express and Windows Mail Vista. This can be done either manually or by exporting the mail account settings from your old Windows computer in a .iaf file and importing it into Windows Live Mail. You should then transfer all old emails to the Windows 7 laptop or desktop.

The Outlook Express address book and the Windows Contacts from Vista can also be imported into the new machine. This web site has separate articles with detailed instructions and screenshots to help you copy and move email account settings, messages and address book. Please use the search function at the top.

Email How Do I Windows 7