Since you were using Outlook before and now again Outlook is installed(oem provided, trial install, or Office install..IE7 did not install it). The only way for OE to become the default program is to open OE, and agreeing, upon opening, to the prompt to be the default email program.

To place the OE downloaded mail in Outlook, create a new folder on the desktop, open OE, do not allow it to be the default program then drag all the missing messages residing in OE to the new folder on the desktop. Close OE, Open Outlook then drag the messages into your desired location in Outlook(OL folders or those you create yourself).

..winston

"Theo de Groot" wrote in message ...
: Bruce,
:
: Had no success in set programs access and defaults, but went into
: tools/internet options in IE 7.0 and looked under the tab "programs" and
: noticed e-mail was set to OE. As soon as a changed it to MS Outlook, I got my
: e-mails back, except of course the once that were opened in express. They are
: in the DBX files.
:
: No explanation what happened, but at least the problem seem to be resolved.
:
: Thanks for your help,