By default, Outlook Express 6 blocks attachments of a certain type (.exe, .bat, .vbs etc). Microsoft has done this because Internet viruses and worms are most often spread via attachments to email. But what if you get a file from a trusted friend? Follow the instructions outlined below to save that file..

To change the default setting, open up Outlook Express, click on Tools and then select Options.

In the window that appears, click the Security tab and remove the check next to Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus.

Click to enlarge

Click Apply and then OK. Now you’ll be able to save files that were sent as attachments. note: If you made the above change while the email containing an attachment was open, you’ll need to select/view another email, then return to the one with the attachment you want to save, before you’ll be able to save it. Don’t ask me why.

It’s a very good idea to re-enable the “blocking” feature of Outlook Express until the next time you get a file that you know is safe (from a trusted contact), especially now that you know how to do it.