How do I change the "mailto:" or default mail program?

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I find it convenient to type "mailto:" into my Start>Run field, when I want to write a quick email. On this computer, it opens a blank Outlook email form.

I installed google-talk last night, and suddenly, when I do "mailto:", it opens a stupid Google web-email page.

I followed Leo's advice, and checked Internet Options. [Microsoft] Outlook was still selected as the default. (!) I changed it to something else, and then changed it back to Outlook. (There is no "Apply" button to become active to acknowledge I've changed the configuration.) Clicked all the OK buttons.

Now, Outlook opens again when I hit mailto:, the way I like it.

Used to love Google...

It's WinXP pro. First, I went into Control Panel > Folder Options > File Types, and looked around for mailto:. I think that worked for me in Win98, but no joy with WinXP. Maybe it's in the list, but I couldn't find it, but Leo's method was sufficient, thanks.

-Neil-

I've tried all of the things mentioned above and nothing works. My computer had Lotus Notes installed before Outlook. In now use Outlook exclusively and it is my default e-mail program (for example if I click on "send-us a message" on a web page Outlook pops up), but for "e-mail this file" Notes would still pop-up. I unistalled Notes and now nothing happens when I click e-mail this file. Help!

Hotmail is not in my drop down list within tools. How do I put it in?. Can I insert it with regedit or something or rather?

Thanks buddy...

Same as many of the others. i only use hotmail, and i only use firefox. dont want a mailto link in firefox to open up IE as it does now. pleeease, its so annoying

Leo, I tried to make Yahoo Mail my e-mail account as you directed us to do...the comp I have XP on everythig worked successfully ...my comp I have ME on I could not get Yahoo mail to be one of my choices to select..even after installing Yahoo Messenger..What do you suggest?

when i click a mailto: internet explorer opens like 100 blank windows. i have vista and i want microsoft mail to be my default mail, but everything i try doesn't seem to work... help! i have gone into set programs and defaults, and i think i got microsoft mail set up as my default. so when i click a mailto: it doesn't do anything now... at least it doesn't open a slew of windows. any suggestions?

Thanks!!!!

That was the very best "how to" I've finally found.Even totalamente Computer Moron like me got the Idea from these Answers.If I may just ask,-how I can manage the default Mail with Vista?My Question probably should be,how I can manage the Vista,and IE-7 beta?Playing with an Internet is no more Pleasure,I cannot get Access even to my own Yahoo! Adult Groups,don't mansion whatever slightly close to Erotica's Web Sites...Please,enlighten me with some bright Idea what can be done?

Sorry the answer you gave for Yahoo does not work under Vista... even confirmed in emails to me from Yahoo... and in other newsletters. I have emailed you a couple of things on this subject, knowing you were writing this article.

For Vista, to change the mailto (I use thunderbird, not outlook) go to Internet Explorer - Tools - Internet Options - Programs tab - Internet Programs - click 'set programs' - click 'associate a file type or protocal...' - find 'mailto' under name, change to whatever email client you are using.
Cheers,
Manon

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