e-mail help

[masoth]

I've searched the 510 (now 511) threads which refer to computers, without success. Please ........... can anyone help me correct a probable computer set-up problem.
Most e-mails recieved with attachments are unabled to be opened - these are from trusted sources and deleting them without viewing is as frustrating as a dog with a stiff back.
The error message is usually something like 'unknown file type' which I've searched to overcome ............... and failed.

soth:((

[Barry_White]

I've searched the 510 (now 511) threads which refer to computers, without success. Please ........... can anyone help me correct a probable computer set-up problem.
Most e-mails recieved with attachments are unabled to be opened - these are from trusted sources and deleting them without viewing is as frustrating as a dog with a stiff back.
The error message is usually something like 'unknown file type' which I've searched to overcome ............... and failed.

soth:((

Soth

I'm no expert but it seems that the file you are receiving has to have a particular program to open it and you apparantly don't have that program on your computer. What is the extension on the file, this will give a clue to the program that is required.

The only other thing is to ask the sender what the program they are creating the file in.

[masoth]

Thanks Bazza, the problem is not one file, but many and the reason for my question.
I thought as you did and nothing I use opens any of the mails.

soth

[Ian Smith]

Masoth,
You don't say what email client you are using but on the assumption it's Outlook Express then try this.

Go to the "Tools" option and select the Security tab and make sure the following options are unchecked :

Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus (you do have a virus checker don't you?)

Block images and other external content in HTML email

Hope this helps
Ian

[Barry_White]

Soth

Is it the email you can't open or the actual attachment.

[Daddles]

Yeah, I reckon it's in your security options too.

Richard

[masoth]

Masoth,
You don't say what email client you are using but on the assumption it's Outlook Express then try this.
Go to the "Tools" option and select the Security tab and make sure the following options are unchecked :
Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus (you do have a virus checker don't you?)
Block images and other external content in HTML email
Hope this helps
Ian

Thanks Ian. I'm using Office Outlook 2003, and I suspected security options as the problem. I've made changes and will wait to see what happens. Not too sure if this is the right action.

Barry - The problem is with the attachment only. Maybe I have it fixed.

Thanks to all, soth

[DJ’s Timber]

A lot of these attachments quite often need programs like Powerpoint Viewer (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=428D5727-43AB-4F24-90B7-A94784AF71A4&displaylang=en) or Word Viewer (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=95E24C87-8732-48D5-8689-AB826E7B8FDF&displaylang=en) to see depending on type of attachments

[masoth]

dj - OK, but how do I apply the recieved mail to the programme? Does the mail search for a 'host'?

soth (Grr)

[DJ’s Timber]

Once you have these programs installed on your computer, they will automatically open when you open the attachment.

Next time you get one and try to open and you have a choice of using web or your computer to to find program to open with, use the web and it will take you to the D/L page of the programs you need and in most cases it's normally one of the above

[Ian Smith]

Masoth,
You may have to save your attachment first to a folder then do the following:

Hope this helps

Ian

You'll find the instructions below in the Windows help if you search on "file association"