(RAM Technical Support Inc)

Here's a problem that keeps happening seemingly all by itself.

Suddenly your email client is no longer able to open attachments.

It's a problem unique to Windows and Outlook Express. Somehow a mysterious entity goes into the settings of these programs and checks a little box that says "Do not allow attachments....." and what worked perfectly prior to this little grelim doing it's mischief STOPS working.

Who, prey tell would do such a stinky deed? Did some IT guy sneak into your house late at night while the unsuspecting were fast asleep and ...with an evil giggle... check that annoying box? The answer to this second question is sorta!! But don't check your alarm system or the locks on your doors, because this IT guy thinks they know better than you and because you've given them access to your computer, for good reason I might add, they take it upon themselves to protect you from yourself. All I can tell you is their name begins with M and ends with soft and they know that the Internet can be a very dangerous place.

But enough of this paranoia for what you really want to know is how to UNCHECK that box.

Outlook is very touchy about what attachments you can open. In fact, Softek recommends that you ALWAYS download any attachment FIRST and then scan them with your Anti-Virus program before opening. If your anti-virus program is up-to-date and the file is clean, then and only then is it okay to open. This goes for ANY attachment or download in ANY program whether off the web or via any email program. Failure to do so could result in a virus or some sort of nasty program being loaded on your computer.

Here is what Microsoft says about OUTLOOK attachments on their website::

Outlook does not block documents that have the following file name extensions: .xls, .doc, .ppt, and .txt. These file types are the ones that most people use in their work. However, it is important to keep in mind that such files can contain macros that have the potential to spread viruses. So whenever such files arrive in your Inbox, use a third-party antivirus program to scan them before you open them. Also, follow the recommended directions to protect your PC. ." END QUOTE from Microsoft.

With all of the above warnings, Outlook Express is less touchy about attachments but that's why you need to follow the download rule above. With that knowledge, here is how to allow attachments in Outlook Express. Open the program and go to TOOLS, OPTIONS, SECURITY and uncheck that box (at your own risk, because M....soft says once you uncheck this box it's on you if you open a virus or other infected attachment file). so, with this warning, uncheck the box that says "Do not allow attachments ........ yada-yada-yada......". Click on APPLY and OK and Exit Outlook Express and reload the program and you'll NOW be able to open attachments. BUT, we REPEAT, do NOT just open an attachment. Download, Scan and if clean then open.

Live by that rule for any download and if your anti-virus program is up to date then 99.8%(an estimate) of the time you'll probably continue to work in a trouble-free environment.

If you have questions or need assistance regarding this topic, when in doubt, check with someone who knows about the proper care and feeding of computers.

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