A common call to our tech support team comes from customers who can’t open e-mail attachments using Outlook Express in combination with Windows XP. This inability to open some attachments is actually built into the security settings within Outlook Express. Fortunately, this setting is easy to change.

This security setting is designed to stop virus-tainted e-mails from being opened. Unfortunately, Outlook Express is sometimes a little over zealous and prevents harmless attachments from being opened. If you’re having problems opening attachments and you use both Outlook Express and Windows XP, following the instructions below will disable this security setting.

IMPORTANT: Before you follow these steps, be sure that you have a virus protection program installed on your computer and that it is receiving regular updates. If you’re not sure, contact our tech support team for more information.

1. Open Outlook Express.
2. Click on Tools in the menu, and scroll down to Options.
3. Click on the Security tab.
4. Uncheck “Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus.”
5. Click on the Apply button. Click on OK.

If you continue to have problems opening attachments and you’ve followed these steps or you use a different operating system or e-mail client, contact our tech support team for further assistance. We can be reached at 533-5777 or 1-888-491-9115. You can also send us an e-mail at techsupport@huntel.net.
 

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