# outlook express, internet explorer, gmail, all against me!

Category: Geeks r Us

## Post 1 by Meka (carpe Diem!) on Monday, 10-Jul-2006 3:23:22

Where do I even start? I've put down the old hammer long enough to try to salvage this frustrating piece of electronic goo, so let's hope for the best.
I am running Windows Millennium (hold back the boos), and am running internet explorer 6. To make this frustratingly long story short, I was having some trouble with outlook express, so I uninstalled it using add/remove programs. I figured I'd just reinstall IE 6 and life would be good like gravy, since that's the only way that I know how to reinstall Outlook Express.
Well, the gravy has some definite lumps. The installation file would run and then time out, so I'd have to restart it again. Now it says that windows update still has pending work with a previous installation and to restart. So, I restart, and the same message again. So now, no outlook express, even though it still seems to be there, but it doesn't show up in add/remove programs anymore.
All that I wish to do is check my gmail using a pop3 client. I'm all for learning new products, I have no qualms with that. but the ones that I have tried either have certain options in some obscure place in regards to getting it to work with gmail on its own, or I can't read the actual messages themselves even though the client looks to be very accessible.
So, I am trying to use Eudora. I can't seem to access the personality window or the account settings underneath it. So, I suppose I am looking for a few things.
1. I'd like to fix this frustrating outlook express issue once and for all. I'd even switch back to Microsoft outlook, but that program is locking up the computer as well. Microsoft word is doing the same thing. So either something is very very wrong and is a related problem, or the stars are against me. I'm assuming the IE issue has to do with a file in the registry, but lord only knows which one.
2. If I can't get Outlook Express back in working order, I'd be interested in getting some recommendations on a different email client. If I can't win em, I may as well join em.
3. I need a better hammer, please.
Looking forward to any assistance that any of you may have. I come bearing gifts of patience and cheesecake.
Hugs,
Meka

## Post 2 by WillieTheWoof (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Monday, 10-Jul-2006 17:06:54

Now, you do realize that I do lots of computer work for cheeescake? Hmm, wonder who told you... Okay! sadly, my opinion is wel 2 fold. one, since you are having other problems with the machine I would recommend reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling everying. What was that, a scream I heard? Oh my, that's usually the reaction I get from that suggestion. Nex. If you (and I hope you do) have your windows disk put it in the drive and reinstall Window ME. Nothing should be lost but everything should be hopefully repaired and work. Of course, I accept no responsibillity for this advice but to say that I have done it and it has worked. If you can I would suggest that you backup any important documents first so should you have to reinsta you won't loos what you need. I wish you the best.

## Post 3 by sparkie (the hilljack) on Monday, 10-Jul-2006 19:56:49

I know on xp I can find my outlook express under windows componits not sure on me though.
Troy

## Post 4 by rat (star trek rules!) on Tuesday, 11-Jul-2006 14:36:57

uninstalling oe was a very bad idea. i agree that the only way to fix this is to reinstall windows. Pluse ME is very unstable. that could be your problem as well

## Post 5 by CallMeAl (Veteran Zoner) on Wednesday, 12-Jul-2006 22:39:57

Are you still fighting with this? Unfortunately, I agree with the others that at this point, your cleanest fix would be a reinstall. However, as was also stated previously, Millennium is really not the most stable thing in the world, and in my opinion, is even less stable than 98 second edition.
So basically, I guess my advice would be to reinstall, but only reinstall using Millennium if you absolutely have no other choice. ideally, I would advise XP, especially seeing as how Microsoft recently announced that they're formally discontinuing support and all security patches for Millennium and 98 over the next few months. But if circumstances don't permit XP, than 98 SE would be your next best bet.
--Al