I know that "C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe" in a batchfile will launch Outlook Express. How could I follow that with the command to open a new message ? Just writing 'CTRL N' on the next line of the batch file does NOT achieve that result, even though typing it does. Basty

Have you checked if there is a commandline option for your version of Outlook Express which will open it with a new message? See: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=... (just tells how to access commandline options for Outlook Express) Seems that would be the simpliest technique. I was surprised by what you wrote, I'd always thought that you had to write the batch file command like this: C:\Progra~1\Outloo~1\msimn.exe, for it to work. Being able to write it out fully seems easier to read. Update added, realized the Microsoft support page above was worthless (is that a surprise...), but did find the commandline switch. Try: C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\Msimn.exe /mailurl:mailto: That seems to do what you want.

The inverted commas are quite crucial, if you want to write the terms in full, rather than as 123456~1. So I created a batch file with "C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\Msimn.exe /mailurl:mailto:" and the result was "Bad command or file name". Knowing that unliklely changes can produce good results (especially in batch files) I prefaced that command line with "start", then the result was "Cannot find file 'C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\Msimn.exe /mailurl:mailto:' ". I hope that gives a clue. The OE I'm using in WinMe is v6 Basty

Try "C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\Msimn.exe" /mailurl:mailto:x@example.com Also, on Windows XP you can use the following much simpler command, not sure about earlier systems: start mailto:x@example.com If you want to add content: start mailto:x@example.com?subject=Test%20one^&body=This%20is%20a%20test

Thank you for that. I did some experimenting and found that what I really wanted is provided by : "C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\Msimn.exe" start mailto: cls Basty

Klint Where can I find a list of commands like 'mailto:' for DOS batch files - I want to automate some householding chores in Outlook Express - initially to move all the mail in the Inbox elsewhere; and other more complex manouvres. Basty

The "mailto:" protocol was primarily designed for creating email links on web pages. It's just like "http:" but instead of opening a web page it opens a new email message using your default mail program. It can't be used to control your Outlook application, as it's only designed for sending messages. For more information, try these links: http://webdesign.about.com/od/begin... http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/lib...