Summary: 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?
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.
Related:
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Ask Leo! - Why can't I open my attachments in Hotmail?
Article C1849 - October 13, 2003
For some time I had a lot of trouble with attachments not staying attached / not arriving at destination. I am using Microsoft Outlook.
Posted by: Clay Hancock at December 1, 2008 2:42 AMSolved the problem yesterday. I simply TURNED OFF RICH TEXT in favour of PLAIN TEXT. No more problem. Clay
Page does not answer the question vis a vis Outlook 2002. Referenced MS knowledge base page is all about backing up the registry, not file attachment permissions in Outlook 2002.
Posted by: Snert Lee at January 6, 2009 6:33 AMI could not open an email attachment that said PuppyLove.doc. I was told the file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder options in Control Panel. I do not understand what I should do. Help.
Posted by: Madelyn Picard at February 10, 2009 2:09 PMwhen I am in my outlook email and I receive an ad from say....Coldwater Creek and I want to open one of the options they give me within the ad, I do not get anything. It will just put a box around the area and not open it. Please advise. Up until 2 days ago, I had no problem. Thanks!
Posted by: Leslee Woodyard at May 28, 2009 7:48 PMI have Outlook Express and have adjusted the settings in tools, options, security and uncked box for attachments and still can not open attach unless they are a paperclip, can not open or enter anthing else. Help!!
Posted by: debbie at June 9, 2009 7:38 AMI'm using Outlook 2003 at work. One of my bosses uses Lotus Notes. When he forwards me an email with Word attachements, Outlook doesn't know what to use to open them. We both use Word 2003. When I try to open it in Word it's all greek.
Posted by: S Shively at June 11, 2009 9:36 AMI have Outlook Express and cannot open the attachments. I went into tools and unclicked do not allow attachments, but I still get the same results. A pop up appears stating,This file does not have a file associated with it for ferforming this action, creat an association in the folder options control panel.
Posted by: Glenn at July 19, 2009 11:32 AMI do not know how to do this.
Thanks,
Glenn
I have an INTERMITTENT problem opening .jpg photo attachments in outlook express emails. I have changed the security tab as suggested to no avail.
Posted by: Les Paul at July 22, 2009 6:37 AMIn office 2007 I had same problem.
I clicked on office logo on top right and then clicked on excel options. click on advanced options, go down to general category and see if "igonore other applications using DDE.." or something to that effect. unclick this and you will be able to open excel files from outlook.
Posted by: Randy at August 10, 2009 11:50 AMI'm using Outlook 2003 at work. One of my bosses uses Lotus Notes. When he forwards me an email with Word attachements, Outlook doesn't know what to use to open them. We both use Word 2003. When I try to open it in Word it's all greek.
Posted by: olutola at November 19, 2009 2:58 AM