Dell Inspiron 570 Desktop, 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium sp1

I tried to find an answer on the Microsoft Support site, but saw that, since my software came pre-installed, I had to contact the manufacturer. So, although I believe this is a Windows Update problem, here I am.

After the May patch Tues, when I tried to save an emails to My Docs, they all save as as "WindowsLiveMail.Email.1". Windows cannot open these files. and neither can any other program on the "open with" option, my computer, or online.

After the May MS update, I used System Restore and all the saved emails once again opened with Windows Live Mail. So I "hid" the update, but this month, thinking they probably fixed  fixed the problem, I installed it. Exactly the same problem! Only this time System Restore didn't fix it.

Does anyone have any thoughts on why this is happening and how to fix it? My only thought is it might have something to do with my disabling Windows Live Messenger by adding "old" to its .exe extension. I was going to un-do that, but can't find the file (even though I have "show hidden files" enabled.

I'd appreciate any thoughts on this problem anyone might have. Thanks!

Sandy