OE Classic is an email and Usenet reader designed to look and feel like the classic Outlook Express.

We were huge fans of Outlook Express because it had many simple features. Over the years, we have moved on to Thunderbird, which took some time, so this is nice to see.

Once started, you immediately notice a familiar feel. You have big, colorful buttons across the top with access to the most commonly used features, including create, reply, reply all, forward, print, delete, send, receive, address book, and find.

The left side allows you to access your folders and contacts. However, we noticed a lack of a spam folder. Checking all the options and settings confirmed that there is no built-in spam filter. While we appreciate the attention to detail in OE Classic, some things about classic Outlook are not missed, and the lack of a decent spam filter is significant.

To the right, you have a list of emails, and the message can be displayed below them. A brief look at File, Edit, Tools, View, Message, and Help shows you the same options you remember.

OE Classic nails the classic Outlook Express look and feel as intended. All that's missing now is the "You've Got Mail" sound clip!

Oh, and a spam filter.

OE Classic Features:

Easy-to-use user interface (similar to Outlook Express), carefully tweaked over the years for simplicity and efficiency

Fast startup

Multilingual interface in 20+ languages, fully customizable (window sizes, zoom, columns, layout, font sizes, toolbars)

Easy-to-use wizard for adding email/news accounts with auto-detection of the email server settings (supports Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and many others)

Secure IMAP/POP/SMTP/NNTP accounts using the latest standards with error diagnostic and detailed logging

IMAP support for $Forwarded, $MDNSent, multicolored flags, MOVE extension, and other advanced IMAP features for minimal network usage and maximum sync speed

Secure sending/receiving using the most secure encryption supported by the server

Message editor with full-text formatting, emojis, pictures, stationery support (compatible with the existing Outlook Express stationery), spell checker for 40+ languages, HTML or Plain text, source editing, and customizable layout

Dual format signatures (HTML/Plain text)

Secure message display (it can block all insecure or malicious content and external tracking images), supports HTML or Plain text, quick view of the message source

Preview pane in the main window or separate message viewer windows

Highlighting folders with colors and messages with flags

Identities support (optionally password protected), a quick selection from the main toolbar

Address book with groups, folders, and custom column layout

Message rules with advanced conditions and wildcard support

Blocked/safe senders and other safety options

Importing emails and address book from Outlook Express, Windows Mail, Windows Live Mail, EML/CSV/IAF files, export to commonly used formats like EML and CSV

Importing contacts from other programs or webmail

Stores data using the most popular and public domain data formats

Optimized to work best on Windows 10 but also works on Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and future Windows