Cannot Compose a New E-mail Message in Internet Explorer If MSN Explorer Is the Default E-mail Client (308081)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 for Windows XP
This article was previously published under Q308081

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to compose a new e-mail message in Microsoft Internet Explorer, you may see one of the following behaviors:
  • You receive the following error message:
    Either there is no default mail client or the current mail client cannot fulfill the messaging request. Please run Microsoft Outlook and set it as the default mail client.
    -or-

  • Nothing happens. No e-mail client starts.

CAUSE

This issue can occur when the following conditions are true:
  • Microsoft MSN Explorer is set as the default e-mail client in Internet Explorer
  • You attempt to compose a new e-mail message in Internet Explorer by doing one of the following:

    You point to New on the File menu, and then click Message.

    -or- You point to Mail and News on the Tools menu, and then click New Message.
If Microsoft Outlook is installed on your computer and you attempt to compose a new e-mail message by using any of these methods, you receive the error message described in the "Symptoms" section of this article. If Outlook is not installed on your computer and you attempt to compose a new e-mail message by using any of these methods listed, the MSN Explorer e-mail client does not start. As a result, you are unable to compose a new e-mail message.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, follow these steps:
  1. Start MSN Explorer.
  2. Click E-mail, and then click the Write E-mail tab.
  3. Compose your new e-mail message.

MORE INFORMATION

MSN Explorer is all-in-one software that delivers the benefits of Microsoft Internet technologies such as Internet Explorer, Microsoft Hotmail, Windows Messenger, and Windows Media Player in a single program that works with your existing Internet connection.

For more information about how to use MSN Explorer, click Help & Settings in MSN Explorer.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/10/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB308081
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.