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How can I stop Thunderbird from being the default email app?

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

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I have tried all the usual, Default apps and Apps by file. I want Outlook as the default email. In Thunderbird tools it shows Tbird as the default email app in a greyed out box.

I have tried all the usual, Default apps and Apps by file. I want Outlook as the default email. In Thunderbird tools it shows Tbird as the default email app in a greyed out box.

All Replies (3)

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re : In Thunderbird tools it shows Tbird as the default email app in a greyed out box.

I presume you mean this via 'Menu Bar' Tools > Options> Advanced > 'General ' tab System Integration click on 'Check now' button a small window opens....'Use Thunderbird as the default client for...' The list and checkboxes are greyed out.

This is correct because you do not make this setting in Thunderbird. You can only set Thunderbird to always check to see if it is set as default or set as default.

You choose which program is set as default within the computer 'System' > 'Apps' > 'Default Apps'. Email - set as eg: Outlook

There maybe some other setting in computer which still calls Thunderbird under certain circumstances. Can you tell the forum, exactly what you are doing when Thunderbird is chosen instead of Outlook?

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Hi Toad-Hall Thanks for the reply. I have set Outlook as the default app for Mail under the default apps. Thunderbird does not show anywhere under the default apps for files or functions either. When I send mail directly from any other program, it still uses Thunderbird. My Accounting Package, Snip tool, all Microsoft Office type apps, all send using Thunderbird.

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This maybe caused by a setting in computer. Check registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Clients\Mail

  • In search type 'Run'
  • select the 'Run' app
  • type: regedit
  • click on OK
  • Locate this registry entry:
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Clients\Mail
  • on right side double click on 'Default'
  • Enter Microsoft Outlook in 'Value Data'
  • click on OK

Modified by Toad-Hall