Why doesn't Windows Mail open when the Read Mail icon in the Internet Explorer browser is clicked?

When trying to open Windows Mail using the Read Mail icon in the Internet Explorer browser toolbar, the program appears to fail to open. Windows Mail actually opens but the program is not visible because it opens behind the Internet Explorer window.

NOTE: If an e-mail application other than Windows Mail is configured as the default, that e-mail application will exhibit the same issue.

 

For a temporary resolution, use one of the following workaround procedures:

    * Run Internet Explorer as administrator.
         1. Click the Start button and then click All Programs.
         2. In the All Programs menu, right-click Internet Explorer.
         3. In the menu, click Run as administrator.

             NOTE: If prompted for an administrator password or a User Account Control prompt is displayed, type the appropriate password or click Continue.
         4. In the Internet Explorer window, on the toolbar, click the Read Mail icon.

             NOTE: Windows Mail will open normally.
    * Click the Windows Mail button in the taskbar to bring the program to the foreground.
         1. Open Internet Explorer.
         2. In the Internet Explorer window, on the toolbar, click the Read Mail icon to open Windows Mail.
         3. Click the Windows Mail button on the taskbar to bring the program to the foreground.

 

For a permanent resolution, use the following procedure:

WARNING: There is a risk of data loss. This procedure involves editing the Registry. Using the Registry editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require the operating system to be reinstalled and can result in the potential loss of data.

   1. Click the Start button and then in the Start Search box, type: regedit
   2. Press the Enter key.

       NOTE: If prompted for an administrator password or a User Account Control prompt is displayed, type the appropriate password or click Continue.
   3. In the Registry Editor window, in the left pane, double-click HKEY_CURRENT_USER to expand the selection.
   4. Under HKEY_CURRENT_USER, double-click Control Panel to expand the selection.
   5. Under Control Panel, click Desktop to open the folder.
   6. In the right pane, double-click ForegroundLockTimeout.
   7. In the Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value window, under Base, click to select Decimal.
   8. Under Value data:, in the textbox, type: 0
   9. Click the OK button.
  10. Close the Registry Editor window and restart the computer.