Windows Mail blocks certain types of file attachments that are commonly used to spread e mail viruses, such as files with the following file name extensions: .exe, .pif, and .scr files. File name extensions are a set of character added to the end of the file name that identifies the file type or format. There is an information bar in both Internet Explorer and the Windows mail. In Internet Explorer the information bar appears below the address bar and displays information about downloads and blocked pop up Windows and other activities. In Windows Mail, the Information Bar is displayed at the top of the Mail Message and is used to display information about the security related changes that were made to the message. If Windows Mail blocks an attachment in an e mail, the Information bar will display a message letting you know that it has done so and list the attachment that has been blocked.
Although it’s not recommended, you can enable access to blocked attachments. This should only be done by advanced users, and only with an up-to-date virus checker running.
To access to blocked attachments
1. Click to open Windows Mail.
2. Click the Tools menu, and then click Options.
3. Click the Security tab, clear them. Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus check box, and then click OK.
Any open messages containing blocked attachments must be closed and reopened after changing this setting before you’ll be allowed to save or open their attachments.
To open an attachment directly from a message
1. Click to open Windows Mail.
2. Open a message that contains an attachment by double-clicking it in the message list.
3. At the top of the message window, double-click the file attachment icon in the message header.
To save attachments to a folder on your computer
1. Click to open Windows Mail.
2. Open a message that contains an attachment by double-clicking it in the message list.
3. In the message window, click the File menu, and then click Save Attachments.
4. Select the folder where you want to save the attachments.
By default, Windows Mail saves attachments in your Documents folder. If you want to save the attachments to a different folder, click Browse, and then select a folder.
5. Select the attachments that you want to save, and then click Save.
Although Windows Mail blocks known dangerous file types, you should still use caution when opening attachments.
