Outlook Express on Windows 7 ?

bertie40

bertie40

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Is it possible to run this somehow, without using some form of emulation ?

I have a customer who has "issues" and she doesn't like change. Almost OCD stuff.

Husband & wife.
Nice people.
Elderly.

Mortified about losing outlook express.

They have a (very) old XP machine, and want it upgrading to win 7.

I took a look at the spec., (1gb ram, 60gb HDD etc) and just said. "Nope, I could upgrade it.... but you would throw it through the window after a couple of days. I suggest a new machine."

"I could build you one, but I am pricey..... so I suggest you look around. I don't mind transferring your data if you only want that".

They decided to go for one of my builds.
But I really would like to try and mirror the existing system to save them anguish.

Anyway.
PS.
This made my day.

Copies of SearchProtect and it's cronies were on the old machine which didn't help.

So, In the meantime, I gave the machine a cleanse.

Whilst I was cleaning up, I overheard the couple focussing the virtues of denture fixadent, and how often to replace the water they soak their teeth in, as one of them mentioned it can get quite smelly.

The other replied that she generally just tops up the liquid instead of replacing it.

I'm sure I heard slime mentioned.

What a fascinating job we have.
 
Only trick I've seen...I remember this from the one time it was mentioned here, that ZInstall program. Was a bit "snake oil" like when I first saw it, but I remembered seeing "Get OE running in Windows 7"...so here's the link.
http://www.zinstall.com/products/zExpress-run-outlook-express-on-windows-7-and-windows-8

Never tried it, haven't seen it in person..I just remember that feature.

Now...go sneak a few dashes of fresh cayenne pepper on the back of their dentures! :D
 
ZInstall is just a *nix VM running on windows.

http://www.zinstall.com/technology/virtualization

Personally I've never tried it. But my guess is that it operates in a similar fashion that one sees with either Fusion or Parallels. They use a mode know as Unity or Coherence respectively. Basically you do not see a discrete VM. The icons, running apps, folders, etc are all merged together between the host OS and the guest OS.

I've found that the "clueless" can use it but the whole environment can become an issue. One customer has "lost" the VHD several times. And trouble shooting can also be an issue if you cannot easily see the VM related interface.
 
I'm a long-time Zinstall user, so here goes:
1. Outlook Express on Windows 7 - yes, it works, used it for 2 clients so far (same story as OP). All the others I was able to convince to switch to something more reasonable, or at least Live Mail... The Zinstall product is a standalone package, runs natively, not a VM. Pricey, though - $99. But, for the "OE zealots", was completely worth the price.

2. Their general migration products: the VM part is only something they have for virtualized migrations. I've only ever used it for cases with ages old DOS programs clients just couldn't live without. Agreed regarding additional support on that, VMs are no easy thing, but had no choice.

3. However! 90% of what I use them for is their native transfer (WinWin as they call it). No VMs, no encapsulations. Moves all the stuff onto the new system, including applications, including registry, sets everything right up. I've had about 85-90% success rate, although who knows how it will work for others...

So, in any case, not a VM - unless you really want it :)

P.S.
If you go try them, do two things:
1. Don't buy first, ask for a trial - they usually give 1 copy of the migration for free, although it's not mentioned on the website. Just tell them you are a tech.
2. They have a tech partner program, which involves a subscription with pricing that makes sense for a tech (as opposed to the $169 they charge consumers)
 
I know you said you wanted to run OE on Win7 but I'll throw this out there since nobody else mentioned it. Thunderbird is a great replacement for OE. Install it on the XP system and it will import everything from OE. I can't recall the exact instructions for migrating the Thunderbird data from PC to PC but they are easily found via Google.
 
Also recommend thunderbird. Trick is install thunderbird on the old system and try to have thunderbird migrate their data in from outlook express. Then there should be a way to move that to the new pc. As far as build, might consider a legit if you can get Windows 7. Cost is close a lot less work for you and you still make cash for setting it up plus a markup. Win win. Another thing to be cautious of with older folks, be sure you get everything set up first. If they have a game or something that they like and you don't get it on the new computer they'll likely be on the horn. Have had people call back 3-4 times adding about needing a game installed(put the disc in), or just things that are so obvious and sometimes since you set it up 2 weeks ago they want things free(some people not all).
 
What about Thunderbird? It will import everything from OE and it's a pretty simple migration of TB data to another PC.
 
I've installed Thunderbird for customers in the past, but can no longer recommend it now that Mozilla has stopped primary development.

For my XP Outlook Express users migrating to 7 or 8, I've been using Windows Live Mail as I can make it look just like OE, plus WLM easily imports the OE data store.
 
What about running XP mode with OE inside it then just drop a link in the start menu folder in XP and itll show up in 7 ... they wont know the difference.

http://superuser.com/questions/84275/creating-an-app-shortcut-in-windows-7-xp-mode



You need to manually create "Programs on the XP VM" folder under "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu". Once shortcut gets placed there, it also gets copied to Windows 7 menu.

Most of the time I wouldnt give users the option... I'd just tell them they have to get used to it. Im not a fan of installing 3rd party apps that have little support behind them for an old product.
 
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First off, I would like to thank all your contributions, and taking the time and effort to reply.

Before I left her, I installed thunderbird and patiently went through it with her.

I even removed some of the toolbar to make it even simpler.

She just called me up.

Thunderbird: she doesn't like it.

She wants windows live mail, because her friend uses it next door.

Did you just hear a strange noise ?

That's ok, that was just me....... issuing out a very loud prolonged scream, which has rattled the window frames and enveloped my office (and me) with a fine layer of dust, which has lain undisturbed for several years.

That's the dust undisturbed, not me, although my wife says I am quite disturbed.
 
Ok.
Just to round this off.

I called to install the XP - Win 7 machine.

Patiently went through the machine.
And I knew, just KNEW that this was going to be a slog.

"Where's my copy of Microsoft greeting" ?

"Where's my FinePix" ?

"Where are my favorites" ?

"It just doesn't look right" !

"It still doesn't look right, I don't like it" ?

(Oh goooooodddd )

Then down to the nitty Gritty.

I install live mail.

Guess what.... She doesn't like it.

......."But you asked me to install it" I said in a very restrained but calm voice. (Which took some doing, I can tell ya.)

"Where are my contacts" ? She asks.

Easy I reply, create a new email and simply click on the "To" button.

"But my contacts should be in a box on the left hand side !!!!"

"I don't like it."

"I just can't be doing with different things"

So.....
I install oeclassic (as discussed previously"

"The text is too small"

I adjust the text.

"I can't read the subject, it never USED to run off the side of the screen".

There then followed a joyful 15 minutes which included resolution and font adjustments. Etc etc etc....

Me : "I'm sorry, but that's the best compromise I can do between size and text length.

"Well,...... I'll just have to make do then" she said.

"And my neck hurts from looking at the screen. !!!"

This is the same screen, in the same location, which she has had for years, and she's BLAMING ME for her sore neck. !!!!!

Eventually, after what felt like centuries, but I'm sure only lasted decades, I collected my cheque and bid a hasty retreat.

On the way out, her husband apologised for her wife's behaviour.

I got out to the car, drove off for a few hundred yards.

Stopped.
Parked.
Screamed for 10 seconds

......And then went home.
 
Bertie, what are your findings with OEClassic? In terms of ease of setup, and so on. DBX support?
$31 seems like more than a lot of users would be willing to pay but it never hurts to have another card up your sleeve.

I wonder if he/they would be willing to consider a TN or ACRBO discount?
Edit: Wrote them and asked....will update....
 
Last edited:
Quick reply:
You can sign up and sell OE Classic as affiliate on MyCommerce/Regnow (sign up as affiliate and look for OE Classic ID). We give 50% for each order referred through your page.

best regards,
Zvonko Tesic
Click to expand...
So not a true reseller but better than nothing.
 
Last edited:
I thought oeclassic was pretty good.

The only issues I had were the import functions, whereby existing messages and account settings (iaf files) wouldn't import.

I had to re-enter the settings manually.
 
__________________
......Proclaiming the machine fixed, grabbing the cash and running like hell !
Click to expand...

In this case... very true!

Don't ya just love the oldies?

But I bet she made a decent cuppa? I trust you did get one?

Andy
 
bertie40 said:
I thought oeclassic was pretty good.

The only issues I had were the import functions, whereby existing messages and account settings (iaf files) wouldn't import.

I had to re-enter the settings manually.
Click to expand...

Are you sure about that? When I set it up, I was able to import the DBX files with no issue. Not sure about account settings, but those are easy to copy off anyway on a piece of paper or just open up Notepad and save them as a .txt file.

Edit: It looks like it should also be able to import the IAF files too:
http://www.oeclassic.com/online-help-import
 
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