Default ISP/email - how to set it?

travel_freak

Hi,

I hope someone might be able to help with this query please.

You know when you are on a webpage and there is a link to email someone, (rather than an email address), whenever I click on one of these it starts to open my old AOL software which I haven't used for years.

I now use a Vodafone wireless dongle and use Mozilla as my browser. For email I either use my old AOL account, Gmail or Hotmail.

How can I stop my system automatically firing up the old AOL software? Think I need to set up a default but should this be to Mozilla or to hotmail - sorry, pretty clueless!!

Also can I safely actually delete AOL from my system, even though I am still using the AOL email account to send/receive emails?

Many thanks for any advice on this.

HTCWinMob

ok when you installed aol it loaded an email client which is obviously still set to default so when you click on the email link it automatically tries to open your email client.

Go to start/control panel/add or remove programs and delete aol if you don't use the email client anymore. shouldn't affect your aol email as this can be accessed from a browser. suggest you clean up your registry afterwards. if you don't have a program to do this type 'advanced systemcare' into google. It's freeware and great at cleaning up and speeding up your system.

After that if you want to be able to send emails from clicking directly on a link you need an email client such as outlook (microsoft) or thunderbird (mozilla).

HappyIdiotTalk

I think you need to set the helper program for email. I'm on Vista and cant find the damn thing as I've not had it long and they seem to have moved it.

In XP click START > RUN, then type this into the run box that appears:

inetcpl.cpl

Click OK and look through the tabs. One of them should talk about which applications to use for activities such as Email, and it'll have a drop down list. Change this to Outlook Express and you should be away...

I think. I'll try and check on my other computer.

HappyIdiotTalk

Aha! Its the programs tab you want, you should be able to pick Outlook Express for your EMAIL under 'Internet Programs'.