Default mail client

This article was written for Thunderbird but also applies to the Mozilla Suite. (For the Mozilla Suite, you will need to replace "Thunderbird" with "Mozilla" or "Mozilla Mail" in the instructions where appropriate.) It describes how to configure Thunderbird as the default email client. However, you must also configure any other email clients you run to not attempt to be the default email client or it will undo it. For example, in Outlook Express you may need to press a button in Tools -> Options -> General -> Default Messaging Programs to make the dialog box say "This application is NOT the default mail handler"

Windows

In Thunderbird, you can just go to "Tools -> Options -> General" and then select "Use Thunderbird as the default mail application". (In the Mozilla Suite, go to "Edit -> Preferences -> Mail & Newsgroups" and select "Use Mozilla Mail as the default mail application".) If that doesn't take effect right away, try restarting Thunderbird or even the computer once.

If you're running Windows XP you could download the DefaultMail program and use it to set the default email client. It can also do this on a per-user basis. Thats usefull if several people share a machine (with thier own windows user account) and each wants to use a different email client as the default email client.

If you're running Windows 2000 SP3 or later (including Windows XP) you could go to "Start -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs -> Set Program Access and Defaults [on the left] -> Custom", and then set "Mozilla Thunderbird" as your default e-mail application.

For more information:

• Microsoft support site: [1], [2]

• Mozilla's internet related entries in the windows registry

Linux (Gnome)

• Go to "Applications -> Desktop Preferences -> Advanced -> Preferred Applications".
• Select "Custom Mail Reader", and type "thunderbird %s" in the box. You should replace "thunderbird" by the full path to the thunderbird executable if it is not in the PATH.

Linux (KDE)

• Go to "K (start) -> System -> Configuration -> KDE -> Components -> Component chooser".
• Select "Mail Client" and "Use another mail client".
• Type "thunderbird" in the box. You should replace "thunderbird" by the full path to the thunderbird executable if it is not in the PATH.
  • To start a new mail in the editor instead of only starting the mailclient add the string and double quotes: "mailto:%t?subject=%s&body=%B".

This may not work because the mozilla apps use gnome settings. Try the gnome method if you still have problems after setting these.

Mac OS X

1. Start Mail.app.
2. In Mail.app, choose "Preferences" from the menu.
3. Click the "General" icon, and choose "Thunderbird" from the default mail reader pop-up menu. If you dont see Thunderbird in the list, make sure it is in the "Applications" folder.

You can also use More Internet.