How to Open Outlook Blocked Attachments
by Paul Wagner, The Software Magician

Below is the complete list of attachements that Outlook 2003 blocks from being received. This is a security measure because each of these can potentially have programs or "scripts" built into them that can do everything from capturing important private and sensitive data on your machine to simply wrecking the operating system.

Now, first you have ask, WHO is it who sent the attachment. Even if you know them...BEWARE. Many times even the best intentions by friends, family or business associates (let alone strangers with cryptic or obvious bad-taste names) can send you the daily funnies and not even know that they have already been infected. They laughed uproariously and just HAD to let you have the fun immediately, never suspecting that they may already be on the doomed path.

So that is why Outlook protects itself and thereby protects you.

Now, there are a LOT of these file types including .exe programs (executables). (For a complete list see the Microsoft Office Online website) And most of the time these files are those that you likely don't normally use for anything and that you likely won't even see unless you're a programmer or developer type.

However, there ARE times which you want to allow these (like an Access database someone sent you or some script file from a technical support group. The simplest and easiest way to do this is to have the sender simply rename the file extension to something else, like .aaa which Outlook will allow to receive it as a valid attachment.

Then, you right-click on the attachment, Save As... and then change the extension back to its original name. Ask the person sending it to tell you in the email what the original extension was.

If this is something you are going to do all the time (and you are more adept around your computer), you could change the registry keys. Find out more about this technique by Clicking here. This is not for those of you who have never heard of a registry and I would recommend AGAINST doing this if it is your first time.

2006 Paul Wagner

About the Author

Paul Wagner is President of The Software Magician, a Training/Consulting firm specializing in assisting Entrepreneurs and small businesses in the integration of software and marketing.

To learn more about Outlook and Outlook Classes and Teleseminars, visit The Software Magician at www.softwaremagician.com

Return to Free Articles Index