E-mail, chat, & VoIP forum: Outlook Express attachments download, but won't open

Hi Granddad44,

I'm not sure if there is a specific problem with your Outlook Express, but I have these thoughts.

1] ZoneAlarm

If you have the very latest ZoneAlarm, version 6.0.667.000, it is a very different beast to previous versions. You may have to open up the program, (double click the icon in the System Tray near the clock), select Program Control on the left, then the Program tab, scroll down to Outlook Express, (or Microsoft Outlook Express), and check that full permissions have been given.

Or if that doesn't work, check the Email Protection on the left and see if there is any setting there.

2]Temporary Internet Files

When was the last time you emptied your Temporary Internet Files, (TIF)? If they get full to the specified capacity for your computer, they may prevent downloading of attachments.

Open up Internet Explorer, and goto Tools > Internet Options, then under the General tab, under ''Temporary Internet Files'', click the Delete Files button. Whilst you are there, click the ''Clear History'' button as well.

Another good way of cleaning out any temporary rubbish from your computer is to use the Windows Disk Cleanup utiltiy, (Start menu > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools, then select Disk Cleanup.

There may be a delay at the start as Disk Cleanup compresses old files, but after that you can delete a number of unwanted files in different locations.

3] Nortons AV

Is there any setting in your new Norton's program that is preventing you from opening these attachments? I don't use Nortons myself, so I can't point you in the right direction, but look under Norton's Tools > Preferences, or Options, etc.

4] Opening attachments safely

You mention that you ''can'' drag the attachment to the desktop and open it from there.

I have to say that this is what I do anyway. I do not open email attachments from within an email. Instead, I right click the attachment and select ''Save As'', and save to the desktop, so I can right click the file on the desktop and select scan with AVG, (my own anti-virus). You will have a similar option to right click and select ''Scan with Nortons''.

Why? Email attachments are the biggest single source of viruses on the internet and I scan each attachment I choose to read before opening it. I don't open all attachments. If they have come from a source I don't recognise, I delete the email with the attachment without opening it.

I don't trust any source, not even relatives or friends. A bit harsh, maybe, but their computers may be infected with viruses/spyware and trojans and they may not even know.

5] Permissions

I am not sure this is a permissions issue. Take the steps above one at a time and check after each step. I think it will be your TIF folders are full.

But if none of that works, come back and we will explore permissions.

Good luck.

Mark

And regards the saving of email attachments, I have to admit I am unsure about my "Cautious" approach.

My AV also checks incoming emails and attachments, so it would seem to me that there is no need to Save As, and scan again. But I am reluctant to ditch what has become a routine act.......

Mark