Fair comment. But, in defense , Windows live mail is not an integral part, or the mail client, of Windows 7, but a separate download. But perhaps you could try reinstalling Windows live Mail? I do not have the problem you are experiencing and, unfortunately, cannot replicate it to test. However, perhaps you should try Thunderbird, as Pat suggests, which is very similar to OE.
P.S. I appreciate you spelling criticism. I am English/British. I dislike, for example, having to put up with "personalize", instead of "personalise", purely because the wizards at MS consider it more correct English - lol.
PPs. Lol again! It has just tried to correct my spelling here!