Changing to Windows Live Mail from Outlook Express - help needed

usignuolo

I recently got a new PC running Win 7 professional (64bit). I used Outlook Express on my old pc and the nice young man who set up my new one, said I now had to use Windows Live Mail which was its replacement. He migrated over all my emails. However the address book did not migrate with them.

There is an option on the bottom of the Windows Live Mail screen for contacts. But it contains 0 contacts and there is no import option from OE either. So I thought maybe I would just have to set the contacts up again.

However when I log into the Contacts book, it tells me I need to log on again, and set them up in Windows Live??????????? I have looked it up on the Internet and it seems Windows Live Mail does not have an address book, you have to store your contacts separately in Windows Live which appears to be separate from Windows Live Mail.

I am completely baffled, can someone explain to me how this all works and what is the interface between Windows Live Mail and Windows Live.

PS Looking this up on the web, answers suggest using the import file option found under Contacts on Live Mail. I don't have an Import option under the Contact icon in my Windows Live Mail.

System

I don't know to import things but Windows Live Mail is just the new Outlook Express. Confusing names with all the Windows Live stuff too. I switched Microsoft Outlook (office) and its great.

texranger

windows live mail is part of windows live essentials

http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials?os=other

so yes you need to register and have a windows live account.

this allows you to use live messenger (AKA: MSN), live mail etc using the same account logins.

the the way use the address book is to have the contacts added automatically.

goto Options>mail>send and then tick where it say automatically put people i reply to and this will add anyone you reply to

SteveJH200

You can use Windows Live Mail to your advantage. Yes, get yourself a Hotmail account first. On your old computer download Live Mail and set it up with your new Hotmail account. Then import your contacts from your Outlook Express. See this article http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Import-messages-into-Windows-Mail-from-Outlook-Express

Because Live Mail is 'cloud based' all your contacts will appear in Live Mail on your new computer. You may need to link these contacts to your regular email address if you don't want to use Hotmail.

Dave_C_2

Or if you want a direct replacement for OE and don't want the evils of Microsoft Live Mail try Mozilla Thunderbird.

Rock solid reliable.

macman

Agree--Thunderbird every time.