Update. I finally found what I was looking for, apparently windows mail is in windows 7.
Just not operative.
I used the info in this link:

http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic137494.html

and lo and behold, we have windows mail up and running!
Don't normally like to fiddle with the registry but seeing as I have a new system there is nothing to lose.
Will report back if I have problems.
Thanks for the input.