Removing Outlook Express

Why after I remove/uninstall Outlook Express 6.0 by going to Start-Settings-control panel-ad/remove programs, why is it so easy for someone to go back to Tools-Internet Options -programs and click to make OLEXP the default mail program again? When that happens, the other user can bring up all email that is on my ISP POP account. I keep the default set to COURIER, but it is easy to reset to OLEXP even after it is suppose to be uninstalled or removed through ad-remove programs. I have COURIER set to remove from server after downloading to my inbox, but when someone else is using this PC, then its easy for them to see what mail comes in to my ISP by changing back to OLEXP in IE 6. This is a shared PC with other users using Hotmail.

 

If you're using XP, uninstalling OE doesn't really remove the program. It only hides it by hiding shortcuts etc. Guess MS didn't think it through quite good enough. What you could do is have OE prompt you for your password all the time. That way, whoever checks the mail with it will be prompted for a password. In OE click tools>accounts>mail and double click on your account. On the servers tab uncheck "remember password ". Also, on the general tab you could uncheck the line that says "include this account when sending mail or synchronizing ". If you do this OE won't check your account when it checks the others. You would have to do it manually by clicking tools>send and receive>your account name. Granted, they can do this to but if you've uncheck the remember password line they won't be able to get at it anyway.

 

Continuing the theme of what Zander said, not allowing anything to remember your password provides better overall security.

As far as removing Outlook Express goes, this is just another of the joys of browser intergration as Outlook Express is part of the Internet Explorer package. Imagine how bad this would be if Micro$oft had won the anti-trust case.

 

Arie's Tweaking Toolbox has a tweak that lets you retain mail on the ISP server. (My ISP will automatically delete it after 14 days anyway) If you don't use OE, the just remove the account from your ISP from it. So, if someone does open OE, it won't do anything at all! There is another box you could untick that says "get messages at startup ", too, if you still plan on using OE. They would have to click on send/receive to get your mail.

Or kick those other users off your comp if they can't mind your rules, and set a strong password. Tell them to get a job and buy their own systems. LOL

Johanna
(more than one way to skin a cat!)

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have unchecked save password in outlook express. will see how this works now.