How can I use Outlook Express by itself without a default e-mail that it takes e-mails from?

In order to answer your question and help you i need the following info:

1. Is "Earthlink" an email client SOFTWARE or a webpage where you have your email account?

2. If both of them are email clients... which one do you actually want to set as your default mail client? (This can be also done from the Internet Options of your Internet Explorer)

3.If "Earthlink" is just another email client, and you want to have it as your default client, just set POP3 in both of your clients and use the one you want. However, an email which you recieve by/send from Outlook, will not appear in "Earthlink" or any other email client.

No. You need an email address set up in order to use outlook express. Outlook express does not provide email addresses, it is merely software. You can use another service besides earthlink, but you will need another service nonetheless.

There is a place on every email acct. to make it your default.

I"m not sure where it is in Outlook as I don't use it. I set Netscape as my default and have Verizon as a internet provider.

Keep watching your answers and someone will tell you where the default setting is in Outhouse Express.

Set outlook as your email default

Outlook will interact with whatever POP3 email server you set it to work with.