Why aren't WinZip's e-mail features working for me?

Note: This article does not include information concerning the e-mail feature in WinZip Jobs.

WinZip delivers features that make it possible for you to compress and e-mail files and folders. While WinZip's various e-mail options are easy to use, underlying issues may interfere. Brief descriptions of the e-mail features will be provided prior to discussing possible causes for issues. These features are:

1. Zip and E-mail: Right click files or folders and click this WinZip option to quickly attach a Zip file to a new e-mail message. If any of the files are photos, you will also be given the option to resize them, which can significantly reduce transmission time.
2. Zip and E-mail Plus: This works like Zip and E-Mail but also allows you to specify the name of the Zip file and to add encryption if desired.
3. Attach to E-mail: If you have a Zip file open in the WinZip ribbon interface, you can click this button on the Home tab (if you are using Legacy menus/toolbar, choose Send ToMail Recipient (as Zipped Attachment) on the File menu). If you just click Attach to E-mail or if you have nothing selected (highlighted) in the Zip file and you choose Convert and Attach from the drop down menu, a copy of the entire Zip file will be attached to a new e-mail message. If any files or folders are selected and you choose Convert and Attach, WinZip will offer you the option to send only the selected files or the entire Zip file.

WinZip's e-mail support requires that you have an e-mail program installed and properly configured. WinZip uses a protocol named MAPI (Mail Applications Program Interface), specifically Simple MAPI, when calling your e-mail program to run. MAPI is a standard Windows interface that allows WinZip and other programs to instruct your e-mail program to create a new message and attach a file to it. If MAPI is not properly configured on your system, then WinZip, Windows, and other programs cannot create e-mail for you.

Note: Windows 7 does not normally include an e-mail program. If your computer has no e-mail program, you will need to obtain one and install it before WinZip's e-mail features will work for you.

Generally, you would only need to have your e-mail program set as the default and have an e-mail account configured, to have simple MAPI working. It is not uncommon for an e-mail program to let you know that it is not set as the default when you open it. Usually, this information dialog will also make it possible for you to set this e-mail program as the default.

With Windows 7 or Windows Vista you can also use the Default Programs applet to reset your default e-mail program. To do this:

1. Click Start and click Default Programs (on the right side)
2. Click the link that reads Set your default programs
3. Click your e-mail program in the list of Programs
4. At the bottom right click the area that says Set this program as default
   
5. Click OK and close Default Programs

With Windows XP or Windows 2000 it may be easier to use the Internet Options applet. To do this:

1. Click Start and open the Control Panel (In Settings for Windows 2000)
2. Open Internet Options and click the Programs tab
3. Click the drop arrow to the right of E-mail
4. Click your e-mail program in the list
   
5. Click OK

If you are not successful or if you need assistance, please send an e-mail message to Technical Support.

Related Articles:
Does the person receiving my message need WinZip E-Mail Companion or WinZip?
How do I compress and e-mail files using WinZip and my e-mail program?
Some technical information about WinZip MAPI (mail) support
My e-mail provider does not allow Zip files as attachments. What can I do?

E-mail tab in Configuration for WinZip Jobs:
How to use the E-mail tab in Configuration
Can any e-mail service be used when configuring a WinZip Job to e-mail results?