About your Red X problem
There could be a number of reasons why this can occur.
Some things you can check out:
1: Load Outlook Express
Click Tools -> Options.
Next, click the Send Tab.
Under the Mail Sending Format header, and ensure that HTML Button is highlighted
as your mail sending format.
Next, click on the HTML Settings Button, and ensure that SEND PICTURE WITH MAIL
has a checkmark. The person who is sending the email with the red x should check
this option.
or
2:Click on the Tools -> Internet Options
Advanced Tab
Scroll down to the Multimedia section
place a check in the box for "Show Pictures"
or
3. Other problems that might prevent an image from being viewed in email -- with
or without Outlook Express 6
The sender has sent a link shortcut instead of an image. A red box will appear
in an email if the image is not available from the web site that is hosting it.
A referenced image has an incorrect path and points to a non-existent image.
For images sent via HTML emails: it is also possible that your email program
does not support HTML, and you are unable to view images that are present in the
HTML code.
HTML emails with pictures embedded in them will only display if you are online
the Internet, because the pictures are downloaded from the web site as you are
reading the email.
If the graphic is from a web site which is blocked by your firewall program, it
will not display in the email.
or
4. Has Hotbar been installed on either your computer or the sender’s computer?
More info:
http://www.pchell.com/support/hotbar.shtml