Copyright © 1997-2008 Elizabeth Boston, The Computer Lady

Dear Computer Lady,

I am looking for some help as to why a lot of my attachments (not all) are being removed from my e-mails.  A Yellow strip comes across the top of the e-mail and reads (OE removed access to the following unsafe attachments in your mail - then it names the attachment).

 

Somebody has suggested that it has something to do with a windows update but I being new to the computer have no idea what I can do. Could you please advise me what to do to alleviate this problem.

 

Thank you, Irene

Dear Irene,

 

You are correct that this is a result of your recent update. In the most recent updates for Windows, this security setting is automatically turned on for you. This is done to protect your system from viruses, since most of them do come in the form of e-mail attachments.

I know that I was stumped the first few times I tried to access a blocked attachment.

You can turn this security setting on or off in Outlook Express using the following method:

1. In Outlook Express, click on Tools in the menu bar then click on Options, and then the Security tab.

 

2. Click to place or remove a check mark from "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus". Click "OK".

 

3. If you do turn off this setting in order to access an attachment that you want, please be sure to go back and turn it back on again. This will protect you from viruses.

 

Elizabeth