Outlook Express Versions and Updates

If you are using Internet explorer 6 (all versions) then Outlook Express is provided as part of Internet explorer and so if you upgrade Internet explorer then you automatically upgrade Outlook Express.

By regularly applying Windows XP, 2000 or 98 operating system updates you will also be applying Outlook Express updates as well. This windows updates article has more information on the manual and automatic update service for windows 2000 and XP.

The latest release of Internet explorer (IE 7) has removed this linkage and so upgrading to it does not upgrade Outlook Express.  You may also be aware that Microsoft are now rolling out IE7.0 as part of automatic updates. You will be given an option of whether or not to install it. See the MSDN blog.

The Outlook Express provided with Windows XP SP2 (see below) is the latest and the last version of Outlook Express. Instead Windows Vista will include Windows Mail which effectively replaces Outlook Express.

This according to Microsoft is to remove the present confusion that exists between the Outlook and Outlook Express products. For those who prefer to stay with Windows XP then Microsoft are offering Windows Live Mail Desktop.

Windows Live Mail desktop is part of Microsoft's Live Program which essentially is an effort to support traditional Desktop Applications on Web Servers which paves the way for software as a service.

Windows Live Mail will also run on Windows Vista and is described as an enhancement for Windows Mail as well as a replacement for Outlook Express.

Outlook Express Email Update and Upgrade Notes:  Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)  and SP1

1) Internet Explorer 6 SP1 is included with Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1). If Windows XP SP1 is installed on your computer, you do not need to download and install Internet Explorer 6 SP1.

2)  After you install Internet explore SP1 you may not be able to open or save certain attachments. This is because of enhanced security settings and is not a bug. To resolve this problem see Unsafe Attachments Blocked in Outlook Express.

3) Just to reiterate. There is no Outlook Express 6.0 download as it is included with Internet explorer. To download Microsoft Outlook Express 6.0 you need to download Internet Explorer 6.0 sp1.

 Since SP1 there have been several Outlook Express security updates ensure you are up-to-date by visiting the Windows Update centre.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 is the latest service pack for windows XP and contains several security improvements for outlook express and Internet explorer. For more details see

• Use the New Security Improvements in Outlook Express
• Windows XP Service Pack 2: What's New for Internet Explorer and Outlook Express

Cumulative Update for Outlook Express (Windows XP)

An update is available from Microsoft that corrects some problems with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). To install the update, go to Windows Update centre and scan for updates. In the left hand column click Select Optional Software Updates . You will then see Cumulative Update for Outlook Express for Windows XP (KB887797) tick the box to install.

For full details see the KB article: Q887797