Unblocking Attachments in Outlook Express

Many computer users over the past few months lost the ability to receive attachments normally in Outlook Express for seemingly no reason. As with all problems, there is a cause. In this case, the loss of attachments starts after a Windows Update session or an upgrade to the latest version of Internet Explorer/Outlook Express. Microsoft decided that since attachments can bring along a virus, by default they would prevent attachments altogether from reaching users of Outlook Express. The sentiment is admirable, but the execution is flawed.

Fortunately, you can reverse the process and get your email attachments normally again. Start Outlook Express and follow these steps:

1. Click Tools from the menus
2. Click Options
3. Click the Security Tab
4. Uncheck the "do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus" box
5. Click Apply
6. Click OK

Remember that you MUST have anti-virus software running on your computer and the software MUST be updated at least every week in order to truly prevent viruses from entering your system.