In Outlook Express how to download attachments after checking thesender?

  • Thread starter Thread starter URBAN
  • Start date Start date
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URBAN

Dear Basics Expert,
When I open the Outlook Express and click "Receive All" I get the name
of the sender (good), the subject (good) , the message (good) but also
the attachments. I am worried that if the E-mail is coming from
someone I do not know, the attachment may have a virus etc. in it.
Question: Is there a way of opening the attachements AFTER I checked
who the sender is?
Yours Gratefully,
Urban
********************************************************************
 
Have you asked the OE experts in the Outlook Express newsgroups?

: Dear Basics Expert,
: When I open the Outlook Express and click "Receive All" I get the name
: of the sender (good), the subject (good) , the message (good) but also
: the attachments. I am worried that if the E-mail is coming from
: someone I do not know, the attachment may have a virus etc. in it.
: Question: Is there a way of opening the attachements AFTER I checked
: who the sender is?
: Yours Gratefully,
: Urban
: ********************************************************************
 
Dear Basics Expert,
When I open the Outlook Express and click "Receive All" I get the name
of the sender (good), the subject (good) , the message (good) but also
the attachments. I am worried that if the E-mail is coming from
someone I do not know, the attachment may have a virus etc. in it.
Question: Is there a way of opening the attachements AFTER I checked
who the sender is?
Click to expand...

Some ISPs let users check email on the ISP's server i.e. before
allowing it into their home PCs. Some third party software (e.g.
Mailwasher, www.firetrust.com) does this for any ISP. That way
you can verify identities before deciding whether to accept the email.
 
URBAN said:
Some ISPs let users check email on the ISP's server i.e. before
allowing it into their home PCs. Some third party software (e.g.
Mailwasher, www.firetrust.com) does this for any ISP. That way
you can verify identities before deciding whether to accept the email.
Click to expand...

But beware, because you know the sender isn't necessarily an indication
that the attachment isn't malicious. IMO it's much better to contact
the sender (by phone or email) and ASK if he sent you an attachment, and
what's in the attachment?
It is possible for even your best friend, even you, to be emailing
malicious code without knowing it's happening. So, even checking first
isn't a real guarantee; just a likelihood.

Then scan it with your antivirus application BEFORE you open it.

In my case, I receive emails in Plain Text and never read/open any
attachment from anyone unless I've been told in advance that I am about
to receive it. Like I said even that isn't foolproof but it helps.

If I get an attachment from ANYONE that I don't know well and is really
just an acquaintance, I delete it anyway and forget it; period.
Anything unsolicited and unasked for and not expected is nothing I'm
going to miss, so - out it goes.

There is no way to be absolutely certain it's safe; but there are ways
to minimize the possible dangers. Plain Text is one, never opening
unexpected attachments is another. Still not 100% safe, but closer than
any other way.

HTH
 
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