Outlook Express Attachments
 

During the last few days OE has 'removed access' to all attachments received saying that they are 'unsafe'. As they have been sent by reputable organisations I am somewhat puzzled. Could it be a setting on OE or Norton which I could re-set? If so what and how?

Thanks guys!

Helen49,

Open Outlook Express - click on Tools, options and then the Security Tab. Uncheck "do not allow attachments etc.." (fourth one down). - Click OK. Come out of Outlook Express and re-open. Try again.

HTH
amofw

Thanks for help...so simple. Don't remember ever changing this setting! Works ok now. Cheers

Helen,

Are you sure that they are from reputable origins ? There are a number of viruses about (Klez, Yaha, GIbe/Swen, etc.) that forge the sender address precisely so that you think that they come from a "trusted source". :mad:

You don't say which version of OE you are using, but you should checkout the following security alert from Microsoft: MS03-014 : Cumulative Patch for Outlook Express (330994) :ok:

The disabling of attachments occurs during one such security update to OE. Microsoft then forces you to switch the setting thus putting the onus of the user should something go wrong later on (at least that's how I understand it).

As long as you anti-virus is bona-fide and up-to-date then I reckon you should be ok (but a firewall also helps.)

Switching off automatic preview is also a good idea (though I don't 'cause I like to to live life dangerously :E )

But I agree with RTFM, you've got to be very very careful these days - I 'm losing count of the PC/laptops I've come across recently that have been wrecked by viruses/worms/trojans. usually it's because the owner didn't install an anti-virus or didn't keep it up to date...

Thanks AMOFW and RTFM, Your comments and advice noted. The attachments were in fact being expected from known sources, but I get the message.

I have downloaded the fix but am always curious about the volume of MS downloads available. I never really know whether or not they are relevant, moreover what happens in the event of a major problem involving a windows reload? How do you then obtain the fixes again? It all appears a little confusing to me, not to say somewhat time consuming.

Any advice on this please?

Cheers

TCS grateful thanks for your help..one of these days I'll get the hang of these things!

H49