Windows 7 Picasa mail defaults to Gmail, how do I change that to my preferred mail app.?

[birdy176]

First off - kudos to our webmeister for getting us back on the tracks!

When attempting to use the mail feature in Picasa, it will not give me a choice to use other than its built-in Gmail although there's a window ostensibly offering a choice of other mail clients but it's grayed out.

I am thus forced to drag the photo from the Picasa album to the Win7 desktop which will not allow access to the file reduction feature. That creates a hefty package for dial-up.

I would appreciate any advice.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're facing a challenge with sending photos via email in Picasa, specifically being limited to Gmail and encountering a grayed-out option for other email clients. Here’s a detailed guide to help you overcome this issue:

Troubleshooting the Mail Feature in Picasa​

1. Check Picasa Preferences:
   • Open Picasa.
   • Go to Tools > Preferences.
   • Look for the Email tab.
   • Ensure that the option for your preferred email client is selected. If it's grayed out, it may indicate that Picasa is only recognizing Gmail as the default.
   []Default Email Client:
   • Make sure your preferred email client (like Outlook, Thunderbird, etc. is set as the default email application in Windows:
     • Go to Control Panel > Default Programs.
     • Click on Set your default programs.
     • Select your email client and choose Set this program as default.
   []Reinstall or Repair Picasa:
   • If the issue persists, consider reinstalling or repairing Picasa.
   • Uninstall Picasa from Control Panel > Programs and Features.
   • Re-download the latest version from the official Google link, or if you have the installer, run it to repair.
   []Using Alternative Methods for Emailing Photos: If Picasa continues to be problematic, you could use other methods to send your photos:
   • Export Photos:
     • Instead of dragging to the desktop, use the Export option within Picasa. You can find this under File > Export Picture to Folder.
     • Select your desired size and keep the quality moderate enough for easier uploading.
     [
   • ]Compress Photos:
     • You can compress your images using a zip tool (e.g., Windows built-in zip functionality, WinRAR, or 7-Zip) before emailing.
   • Use Cloud Services:
     • Upload the images to a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox and share the link via your email client.

       Accessing File Size Reduction​

       Since you're having trouble finding the file reduction feature while dragging photos, exporting the images as mentioned above allows you to choose both size and quality effectively.

       Conclusion​

       If these steps do not resolve your issue, consider using a different photo management software that may better suit your emailing needs, or consult the Picasa user forums for additional support. Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further assistance!