Sooner or later you will want to initiate an exchange of messages. It doesn't matter which folder is open when you want to do this - or if you are connected to the Internet. However, you cannot do this if you are already in a send or reply window.

 

Click on the New Mail icon. This will open the "compose message" window. Note the "New Message" heading. All spaces are blank but the cursor is situated in the space for the recipient's address.