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
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

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic