Setting default mail...major problem...help

I'm trying to email my ISP, using a prepared format (not sure of the correct name, but you just fill in the blanks and then hit 'submit' to send).

I've used this form before (its to report spam) but today I'm getting the following message as a pop up from MS Internet Explorer:

" Could not perform this operation (i.e. the 'submit') because the default mail client is not properly installed'.

Who is the default mail client...my ISP or me? In other words, do I have a problem or does my ISP?

And if its me, how do I fix that? (Note: other emails send and receive just fine ).

 

Do you use Outlook Express? If so, set it as the default client (under Tools - Options).

 

Brett.....I've just discovered that I have a bigger problem than first thought...

I am using Outlook Express and in fact it was shown as NOT being the default mail handler. However, attempts to change that are futile. Clicking 'make default'>Apply>OK closes the window but on reopening Tools>Options I find that the change did not take place. I tried this several times, closed OE, even restarted WindowsXP, all to no avail.

I then ran redegt32 and discovered that under HKLM/Software/Outlook Express/ it shows version 5.0, and not 6.0 which is what I'm using (and 6 also shows as the version when I click on 'help' in OE).

I'd earlier installed Works Suite 2000 and seem to recall seeing something about it needing OE 5 to operate. I think this is my problem but I'm really out of my depth here.

Should I attempt to export the OE5 key to my desktop, then delete it from the registry to see if that solves the problem?

 

Well.......

I did export the OE5 key to my desktop, then deleted it from the registry, but the problem still persists....I can not make 'this application' (which I'm assuming is OE6, because that's what's running) the default messenger program.

Any suggestions?

 

Doubleu...

This is a thread that might help. Look for Kevin's entry for Start/Run. Its about 3 or 4 comments down.

 

Many many thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Kevin's suggestion worked perfectly.

I just continue to be amazed (and thankful) at the knowledge of the people who post here.