How to Change a Default Email Program in XP

The Windows XP operating system can be used to send email through various programs. Microsoft Outlook serves as the default email program in Windows XP. To change this default email program, you must have a secondary email client installed on your system. By using the system's "Control Panel" interface, you can select a different default email handler. Any email links you click on while surfing the Internet will be opened with your default email client.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP operating system
• Email client(s)

Instructions

1. Click on the "Start" button on the Windows XP task bar. Select the "Control Panel" button on the right-hand side of the menu.

2. Open the "Add or Remove Programs" window by double-clicking on the icon. Click on the "Set Program Access and Defaults" button on the left-hand side of the window. This button should be located closest to the bottom of the window.

3. Click on the button located to the left of the "Custom" selection to highlight this selection. Click on the icon to the right with two arrows pointing downwards to view the options for the "Custom" configuration.

4. Click on the button next to the program you wish to set as your default email client in the "Choose a default email program" section. Click the "OK" button to save the changes to XP's default email program.

References

• Texas A&M University