Share via

What is the best/default email clients for Windows XP? Where can I download the latest version?

Anonymous
2012-02-01T15:47:02+00:00

Hi I am currently running Outlook 2003 for Windows XP and I am having some problems and would like to upgrade to a newer version of an email client.  I don't use the features of Outlook, I just need something basic and reliable.  What is the most recent/best email program to use with Windows XP and where can I download it?  Thanks.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Apps

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

Anonymous
2012-02-01T17:08:05+00:00

You already have Outlook Express on your machine. It's built-in to XP. It's very basic and reliable as long as you keep it neat & clean.

General precautions for Outlook Express:

Do not archive mail in the Inbox or Sent Items. Create your own user defined folders and move the messages you wish to save to them. Empty Deleted Items folder daily. Although dbx files have a theoretical capacity of 2GB, I recommend about a 300MB max for less chance of corruption.

Information about the maximum file size of the .dbx files that are used by Outlook Express:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=903095

Compact often.

Click on Outlook Express at the top of the folder tree so no folders are open. Then: File | Work Offline (or double click Working Online in the Status Bar). File | Folder | Compact all folders. Don't touch anything until the compacting is completed.

Turn off e-mail scanning in your anti-virus program. It is a redundant layer of protection that eats up CPUs and causes a multitude of problems such as time-outs and account setting changes. Your up-to-date A/V program will continue to protect you sufficiently. For more, see:

http://www.oehelp.com/OETips.aspx#3

And backup often.

Outlook Express Quick Backup (OEQB Freeware)

http://www.oehelp.com/OEBackup/Default.aspx

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.
0 comments

5 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2014-06-09T09:45:43+00:00

    Hi I am currently running Outlook 2003 for Windows XP and I am having some problems and would like to upgrade to a newer version of an email client.  I don't use the features of Outlook, I just need something basic and reliable.  What is the most recent/best email program to use with Windows XP and where can I download it?  Thanks.

    I think you should use any third party email client like thunderbird or INKY, both are excellent for home users. Also here: http://techzend.com/best-email-clients-windows/ and here: http://email.about.com/od/awards/ss/The-Best-in-Email-The-About-com-2013-Readers-Choice-Awards\_3.htm are some useful email clients for Windows, and they all are compatible with all Windows versions including Windows 8 and 8.1.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2012-02-01T16:57:51+00:00

    Three good email programs are below, they are free to use.

    XP Windows Live Mail - Windows Live Essentials:

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

    Mozilla Thunderbird Email:

    https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/

    Opera Mail:

    http://www.opera.com/mail

    http://www.opera.com/mail

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-05-30T13:41:45+00:00

    If you lost messages, you have a bigger issue. Compacting only removes wasted space.

    Why does OE insist on compacting folders when I close it?:

    http://www.insideoe.com/faqs/why.htm#compact

    Compacting your folders periodically is a must to keep OE functioning well and at some point, you may lose all your saved messages if you don't. When you delete, or move messages, the space they had used remains until you compact.

    ***Never touch anything until the compacting is finished.***

    If you lost messages, please start a new thread of your own and describe your issue in detail.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2013-05-30T09:56:38+00:00

    It's all very well saying 'compact regularly' but how do you read compacted files later? I have failed to find a way so far

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments