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General discussion

Outlook Express attachments download, but won't open

Oct 8, 2005 5:19AM PDT

Problem: Outlook Express attachments download, but won't open

Recently there is a change in my OE functionality. Previously email attachments would download normally and open with a double-click of the mouse. Now attachments still download

normally, but cannot be opened within OE. These are my observations:

1. Within Options/Security the ''Do not allow attachments ...'' box has been and is now unchecked, so the function of downloading of attachments has not changed.

2. In the message list, paperclip icons next to messages with attachments show with normal intensity (not ''grayed out'').

3. When a message with attachments is highlighted in the message list, File > Save Attachments ... is ''grayed out''.

4. When a message with attachments is opened, File > Save Attachments ... is not ''grayed out''. Since this is functional it is a current work-around. An attachment can also be dragged to

the desktop and opened by double-clicking the desktop icon (an easier, but still annoying work-around).

5. When an attachment in an open message is double-clicked, a warning message opens as in this example:

*****************************************************************************************************
C\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\FYJL9PNB\document.doc
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.
*****************************************************************************************************

The latest versions of Norton AV and Zone Alarm Pro were recently installed, so I'm guessing there might be some interaction, but I can't find the right options if that is the problem.

I'd surely be grateful if anyone has a solution to reattain the appropriate permissions and regain control of attachments in OE.


CPU = Intel P4 @ 2.6Mhz
RAM = 512MB
OS = Windows XP SP2
OE = 6.00.2900.2180 SP2
Norton AV
ZoneAlarm Pro

Discussion is locked

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Email attachments
Oct 8, 2005 6:07AM PDT

Hi Granddad44,

I'm not sure if there is a specific problem with your Outlook Express, but I have these thoughts.

1] ZoneAlarm

If you have the very latest ZoneAlarm, version 6.0.667.000, it is a very different beast to previous versions. You may have to open up the program, (double click the icon in the System Tray near the clock), select Program Control on the left, then the Program tab, scroll down to Outlook Express, (or Microsoft Outlook Express), and check that full permissions have been given.

Or if that doesn't work, check the Email Protection on the left and see if there is any setting there.

2]Temporary Internet Files

When was the last time you emptied your Temporary Internet Files, (TIF)? If they get full to the specified capacity for your computer, they may prevent downloading of attachments.

Open up Internet Explorer, and goto Tools > Internet Options, then under the General tab, under ''Temporary Internet Files'', click the Delete Files button. Whilst you are there, click the ''Clear History'' button as well.

Another good way of cleaning out any temporary rubbish from your computer is to use the Windows Disk Cleanup utiltiy, (Start menu > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools, then select Disk Cleanup.

There may be a delay at the start as Disk Cleanup compresses old files, but after that you can delete a number of unwanted files in different locations.

3] Nortons AV

Is there any setting in your new Norton's program that is preventing you from opening these attachments? I don't use Nortons myself, so I can't point you in the right direction, but look under Norton's Tools > Preferences, or Options, etc.

4] Opening attachments safely

You mention that you ''can'' drag the attachment to the desktop and open it from there.

I have to say that this is what I do anyway. I do not open email attachments from within an email. Instead, I right click the attachment and select ''Save As'', and save to the desktop, so I can right click the file on the desktop and select scan with AVG, (my own anti-virus). You will have a similar option to right click and select ''Scan with Nortons''.

Why? Email attachments are the biggest single source of viruses on the internet and I scan each attachment I choose to read before opening it. I don't open all attachments. If they have come from a source I don't recognise, I delete the email with the attachment without opening it.

I don't trust any source, not even relatives or friends. A bit harsh, maybe, but their computers may be infected with viruses/spyware and trojans and they may not even know.

5] Permissions

I am not sure this is a permissions issue. Take the steps above one at a time and check after each step. I think it will be your TIF folders are full.

But if none of that works, come back and we will explore permissions.

Good luck.

Mark

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Problem solved!
Oct 8, 2005 1:32PM PDT

Hi Mark,

Thank you so much for your quick reply. Your first idea was the right one!

While I understand the function of the firewall, the program settings, the pop-up warnings of programs and their access requests are often beyond my knowledge level. Zone Alarm seems to be quite sophisticated for the average PC user.

The version of Zone Alarm you mentioned is indeed the one on my system. Somewhere along the way I had done something that changed the Smart Defense status for OE from "Auto" to "Custom". Before posting my request for help I had looked at that page numerous times, but then kept going back to the privacy and email sections and looking for answers there. I had also previously tried the removal of temp files and disk cleanup.

Thanks also for your remarks and warning about opening attachments within the OE program. My initial description of the problem did imply that I am somewhat careless about opening attachments. While I don't use "preview" and do delete spam from the message header list, I confess to trusting that Norton AV scans messages and attachments from "trusted" sources as they are downloaded. Your point about using extreme care is well taken.

Thanks again for sharing your expertise and experience.

Granddad44

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Glad you got it sorted Granddad.
Oct 8, 2005 11:00PM PDT

And regards the saving of email attachments, I have to admit I am unsure about my "Cautious" approach.

My AV also checks incoming emails and attachments, so it would seem to me that there is no need to Save As, and scan again. But I am reluctant to ditch what has become a routine act....... Happy

Mark