Knowledge Base

What is Live Mail?

Windows Live Mail (later also known as Windows Mail) is a free email client developed by Microsoft and used on Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 operating systems. It was designed as the successor to Outlook Express and Windows Mail. It allows users to manage their emails, organize their calendars, and store their contacts.

Key Features:

• Email Management: Managing multiple email accounts (via protocols such as POP3, IMAP, HTTP) in a single interface.
• Calendar and Contact Management: Planning calendar events and organizing contacts.
• News Groups: Access to Usenet newsgroups.
• Integration: Integration with other Microsoft services (e.g., Windows Live Hotmail).
• Spam Filtering: Filtering unwanted emails (spam).

The development of Windows Live Mail was discontinued in 2012, and Microsoft encouraged users to switch to Outlook.com and the Outlook application. However, many users still continue to use Windows Live Mail on older systems.

Why is Windows Live Mail Not Used? Is it Still Supported?

Windows Live Mail is not officially supported by Microsoft. Its development was discontinued in 2012, which can lead to some problems. Here are the details about why it is not used and its support status:

Why is it Not Used?

• Security Vulnerabilities: Since it is not supported, security vulnerabilities may be present, and updates to close these vulnerabilities are not released. This can leave your computer and emails vulnerable to malware.
• Compatibility Issues: Compatibility issues may occur with new operating systems and email protocols. In particular, incompatibility with modern encryption methods (e.g., OAuth 2.0) is a common problem.
• Lack of Features: New email clients offer many advanced features that are not available in Windows Live Mail. For example, better search capabilities, integrated calendars, and integration with cloud storage.
• Technical Issues: Email sending or receiving problems may occur due to server changes or protocol updates.

Support Status:

Microsoft does not provide any official support for Windows Live Mail. This means that you will not be able to get help from Microsoft if you have problems. However, you can find solutions provided by users in online forums and communities.

Alternatives:

There are many modern email clients that you can use instead of Windows Live Mail. Here are some popular alternatives:

• Microsoft Outlook: Microsoft's paid email client. It offers advanced features and enterprise-level support.
• Mozilla Thunderbird: A free and open-source email client. It is customizable and can be extended with many add-ons.
• Mailbird: A paid email client. It has a sleek interface and many integrations.
• eM Client: An email client with free and paid versions. It offers features such as calendar, contact management, and task management.
• Windows Mail: A free email application built into Windows 10 and later versions. It is simple and easy to use.

Important Note: If you continue to use Windows Live Mail, keep your antivirus software up to date and be careful of emails from unknown sources to reduce security risks.

What are the Common Problems and Solutions Encountered in Windows Live Mail?

Windows Live Mail users may encounter various problems. Here are the most common problems and suggested solutions:

1. Email Sending and Receiving Issues:
• Problem: Errors occur when sending or receiving emails.
• Solution:
  • Check Account Settings: Ensure that the email server (SMTP and IMAP/POP3) addresses, port numbers, and security settings are correct. Check the email provider's website for the latest settings.
  • Check Firewall and Antivirus Software: Firewall or antivirus software may be blocking Windows Live Mail's access to email servers. Add Windows Live Mail to the list of trusted applications.
  • Check Internet Connection: Make sure your internet connection is active and stable.
  • Check SSL/TLS Settings: Ensure that your email provider supports the SSL/TLS protocol and that the settings in Windows Live Mail are configured correctly.
2. "Cannot Connect to Server" Error:
• Problem: Windows Live Mail cannot connect to the email server.
• Solution:
  • Check Server Status: Check if there is a problem with your email provider's servers.
  • Incorrect Account Information: Make sure your username and password are correct. If you have recently changed your password, update the settings in Windows Live Mail.
  • Check Port Numbers: Use the port numbers recommended by your email provider (e.g., 993 for IMAP, 465 or 587 for SMTP).
3. Spam Filtering Issues:
• Problem: Important emails are marked as spam, or spam emails are landing in the inbox.
• Solution:
  • Configure Spam Filter Settings: Check the spam filtering settings in Windows Live Mail and adjust the sensitivity.
  • Create a Trusted Senders List: Add important senders to the trusted senders list.
  • Mark as Spam: Mark emails that are identified as spam to help the spam filter learn better.
4. Account Synchronization Issues:
• Problem: Emails are not synchronizing or appear to be missing.
• Solution:
  • Re-add the Account: Delete the account from Windows Live Mail and re-add it. This can resolve synchronization issues.
  • Check Offline Work Mode: Make sure Windows Live Mail is not in offline work mode.
  • Large Email Box: A large number of emails can slow down synchronization. Delete or archive unnecessary emails.
5. Windows Live Mail Does Not Open or Crashes:
• Problem: Windows Live Mail fails to start or crashes while using it.
• Solution:
  • Restart the Program: Close Windows Live Mail and reopen it.
  • Restart the Computer: Restarting your computer can resolve temporary issues.
  • Repair or Reinstall the Program: Repair Windows Live Mail or completely uninstall and reinstall it.
  • Try Compatibility Mode: Try running Windows Live Mail in compatibility mode (e.g., Windows XP or Windows 7 compatibility mode).

How to Configure Windows Live Mail Account Settings

You can follow the steps below to configure email accounts in Windows Live Mail:

1. Open Windows Live Mail: Launch the Windows Live Mail program.
2. Add Account:
   • Click on the "Accounts" tab.
   • Click on the "Email" button.
   • Alternatively, you can follow the path "Tools" -> "Accounts" from the menu bar.
3. Enter Email Address:
   • Enter your email address and password.
   • Check the "Manually configure server settings" option (if necessary).
   • Click the "Next" button.
4. Configure Server Settings:
   • Incoming Mail Server (IMAP or POP3):
     • Server Address: Enter your email provider's IMAP or POP3 server address (e.g., imap.example.com or pop3.example.com).
     • Port Number: Usually 993 (with SSL/TLS) or 143 for IMAP, and usually 995 (with SSL/TLS) or 110 for POP3.
     • Secure Connection (SSL/TLS): Check the "This server requires a secure connection (SSL/TLS)" option.
     • Authentication: Check the "Authentication required" option and enter your email address and password.
   • Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP):
     • Server Address: Enter your email provider's SMTP server address (e.g., smtp.example.com).
     • Port Number: Usually 465 (with SSL/TLS) or 587 (with STARTTLS) for SMTP.
     • Secure Connection (SSL/TLS or STARTTLS): Check the "This server requires a secure connection (SSL/TLS)" option or specify the appropriate option if STARTTLS is used.
     • Authentication: Check the "Authentication required" option and enter your email address and password.
5. Complete Settings:
   • Click the "Next" button.
   • Click the "Finish" button to test the account settings.

Sample IMAP and SMTP Settings:

Important Notes:

• Check the current server settings from your email provider's website.
• Incorrect settings can cause problems sending or receiving emails.
• Make sure the security settings are configured correctly.

How to Back Up Emails from Windows Live Mail?

Backing up emails from Windows Live Mail is important to protect your data. Here are different methods for backing up emails:

1. Archiving Emails:
• Step 1: Open Windows Live Mail.
• Step 2: Select the emails you want to back up.
• Step 3: Follow the path "File" -> "Export" -> "Messages".
• Step 4: Select the "Microsoft Exchange" format and click the "Next" button.
• Step 5: Select the email folders you want to back up and click the "Next" button.
• Step 6: Choose the location where the backup file will be saved and click the "Finish" button. This process saves your emails in .eml format.
2. Copying the Windows Live Mail Folder:
• Step 1: Close Windows Live Mail.
• Step 2: Open Windows Explorer and find the data folder of Windows Live Mail. This folder is usually located at:

  C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live Mail

• Step 3: Copy this folder to an external drive or another location. This will back up all your emails, account settings, and other data.
3. Third-Party Backup Tools:
• There are many third-party backup tools specifically designed to back up Windows Live Mail. These tools may offer more advanced features and ease of use.
• For example, tools like MailStore Home can be used to archive and back up your emails.

Restoring Emails:

1. Restoring .eml Files:
• Step 1: Open Windows Live Mail.
• Step 2: Go to "File" -> "Import" -> "Messages".
• Step 3: Select the "Microsoft Exchange" format and click the "Next" button.
• Step 4: Select the location of the backup file and click the "Next" button.
• Step 5: Select the folders where the emails will be restored and click the "Finish" button.
2. Restoring Windows Live Mail Folder:
• Step 1: Close Windows Live Mail.
• Step 2: Open Windows Explorer and delete or rename the current Windows Live Mail data folder (if any).
• Step 3: Copy the Windows Live Mail folder you backed up to its original location:

  C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live Mail

• Step 4: Open Windows Live Mail. All your emails and account settings should be restored.

Important Notes:

• Perform backup operations regularly.
• Store backup files in a safe place.
• Before restoring emails, back up your current Windows Live Mail data (as a precaution).

How to Migrate from Windows Live Mail to Outlook?

Migrating from Windows Live Mail to Microsoft Outlook allows you to move your emails, contacts, and calendar data to a new platform. Here is the step-by-step migration process:

1. Exporting Emails (Windows Live Mail):
• Step 1: Open Windows Live Mail.
• Step 2: Follow the path "File" -> "Export" -> "Messages".
• Step 3: Select the "Microsoft Exchange" format and click the "Next" button.
• Step 4: Select all folders or check the folders you want to transfer.
• Step 5: Choose a location to save the export file and click the "Finish" button. This process saves your emails in .eml format.
2. Exporting Contacts (Windows Live Mail):
• Step 1: Open Windows Live Mail.
• Step 2: Go to the "Contacts" section.
• Step 3: Select all contacts or check the contacts you want to transfer.
• Step 4: Click the "Export" button.
• Step 5: Select the "CSV (Comma Separated Values)" format.
• Step 6: Choose a location to save the export file and click the "Save" button.
3. Exporting Calendar (Windows Live Mail):
• Windows Live Mail does not have a direct calendar export feature. Therefore, you may need to use a different method to transfer your calendar data to Outlook.
• Method 1: If Windows Live Mail is synchronized with a Microsoft account (e.g., Outlook.com), your calendar data will already be in Outlook.
• Method 2: If it is not synchronized, you may need to manually transfer your calendar data to Outlook (e.g., by recreating appointments and events).
4. Importing Emails (Microsoft Outlook):
• Step 1: Open Microsoft Outlook.
• Step 2: Follow the path "File" -> "Open & Export" -> "Import/Export".
• Step 3: Select the "Import from another program or file" option and click the "Next" button.
• Step 4: Select the "Outlook Data File (.pst)" option and click the "Next" button.
• Step 5: Select the .pst file you exported and click the "Next" button.
• Step 6: Select all folders or check the folders you want to transfer and click the "Finish" button.
5. Importing Contacts (Microsoft Outlook):
• Step 1: Open Microsoft Outlook.
• Step 2: Follow the path "File" -> "Open & Export" -> "Import/Export".
• Step 3: Select the "Import from another program or file" option and click the "Next" button.
• Step 4: Select the "Comma Separated Values" option and click the "Next" button.
• Step 5: Select the .csv file you exported and click the "Next" button.
• Step 6: Select the folder where the contacts will be imported (e.g., "Contacts") and click the "Next" button.
• Step 7: Check the field mapping and click the "Finish" button.
6. Importing Calendar (Microsoft Outlook):
• If Windows Live Mail is synchronized with a Microsoft account, your calendar data will already be in Outlook.
• If it is not synchronized, you may need to manually transfer your calendar data to Outlook (e.g., by recreating appointments and events).

Important Notes:

• Before starting the migration process, make sure you are using the latest versions of both Windows Live Mail and Microsoft Outlook.
• Back up your Windows Live Mail data before the migration process.
• If you encounter any problems during the migration process, refer to the help documents or support resources of Microsoft Outlook.

What are Windows Live Mail Error Codes and Their Meanings?

You may encounter various error codes while using Windows Live Mail. These error codes can help you identify the source of the problem and find a solution. Here are the most common error codes and their meanings:

Important Notes:

• Note the error code and search for it on your email provider's or Microsoft's support websites.
• Follow the instructions given in the error message.
• Contact your email provider for assistance.