Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
Email attachments are often the way that viruses spread throughout the internet. Email programs may by default block you from opening attachments.
Why can't I open attachments in Outlook?
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Recent versions of both Outlook and Outlook Express have been changed to prevent access to attachments by default. You need to take some additional steps to allow you to access those attachments again.
Microsoft has the perception of designing many of its products with lax security with the most common example being that default settings impose little or no safety restrictions. As security issues have become more of a focus Microsoft has slowly been making changes to make applications more secure by default. The Outlooks are two examples.
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Remember that Outlook and Outlook Express are two different programs. Because of this, what's needed to get access to your attachments is dramatically different depending on which you are using.
Outlook Express users have it easy. In the Tools menu, select Options, and then in the Options dialog, select the Security tab. In that dialog will be a checkbox labeled "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus". It is checked by default. Uncheck it to regain access to your attachments.
Outlook 2002 users have a bit more of a challenge. Warning: getting Outlook 2002 to open potentially unsafe attachments requires editing the registry. As always, backup the registry before you do so.
Microsoft's knowledgebase article that deals with this issue in detail can be found here. Among other information it details the specific registry keys that need to be added or modified to allow access to specific types of attachments.
Personally, I find it somewhat interesting that they suggest having the sender of the attachment resend it under a different name before they present modifying the registry as an option. I'll also admit that if you're at all squeamish about playing in the Windows registry that's my recommendation also.
Article C1849 - October 13, 2003
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
i was wondering why i can't open email's with attachments.I am on windowns xp.The email's that come through are from travel agents.kind regards renee.
Posted by: renee at April 15, 2010 9:31 PMHi,,
I am not able to open attachments which are .pdf, .doc, .xls, etc... where as attached with MS Outlook 2000. Some times all files will open when copied to Desktop some times does not open even copied to desktop. Please guide me how to fix this problem...!!
thanks,
Posted by: Prashanth at May 17, 2010 6:14 AMPrashanth
I have unchecked both boxes and I still cant open attachments
Posted by: guy at September 7, 2010 4:15 PMI just purchased Microsoft Office 2010. When i send an email to someone with an attachment, they are telling me they cannot open it and it says it was sent with winmail. I am not computer savvy. What steps do i need to take to resolve my problem?
Posted by: Rhonda Thomas at February 12, 2011 7:27 AMThanking you ahead for your help.
I have unchecked the back that said do not allow email attachments that may contain a virus in outlook express but it did nothing I still can't open attachments
Posted by: Carol roach at May 17, 2011 9:11 PM