deletedOutlook Express

I use Outlook Express (OE) as my email handler.

Yesterday I somehow deleted the file that makes OE the default email program.

I tried going into OE / tools / options and tried checking on make OE the default email program.  Yes I clicked on it and it did it's thing, but when it was done and I looked again at OE and it still wasn't the default email program.

I went into IE / tools / options/ programs to select OE as the program to handle my email but OE isn't listed in the program group under email.  I tired restoring web setting but that  didn't work.  I also deleted my ISP software which has IE on there and then reinstalled it, reinstalling OE again, but it still doesn't work.

Any suggestions from anyone?

Thanks

Stu