Outlook Express not available after XP SP2 update

[carl777]

After just having Microsoft install the Windows XP Service Pack 2 update, I discovered that I no longer had access to my email client, Outlook Express.

The folder in Program Files was still there but there was no application (msimn.exe), though most of the other files were there. My attempt to move that file over from another computer resulted in a message that told me the system thought the file was there...it just did not appear in the directory and there was no way to run it!

A visit to the Microsoft site found no answers to this situation. Their instructions to reinstall Outlook Express said I would have to reinstall Internet Explorer which is now done by installing Service Pack 2 -- been there, done that -- it no work.

Finally, I went into IE, Tools, Internet Options, Programs and discovered that there was no email client indicated. SP2 had REMOVED it.

So I just pulled down the menu, clicked on Outlook Express, and I was back in business without missing a beat.

I have to believe this doesn't happen to everyone but I thought I'd save others who do have this problem from a lot of frustration, hours and possibly loss of data trying to restore their email.

Carl Galletti