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Receiving Attachments in Outlook Express

When sending an e-mail in Outlook Express, you have many added features and options. One of these is the ability to send and receive attachments.

1. First thing is to have Outlook Express open, and to be looking at the folder with the new mail. Most likely this folder is going to be the INBOX.
2. Follow these directions to get to the INBOX. If you are in the main Outlook Express page, you can get to the INBOX by clicking on "There is new (or unread) Mail messages in your Inbox." If you are in the LOCAL FOLDERS view, you can get to the INBOX by double clicking on the Inbox.

   

3. Once you are in the folder that contains the new mail, click on the message. If it has an attachment, there should be a tiny paperclip icon next to the message. Outlook Express, by default, should auto-preview the attachment under the message body. This setting only takes effect when Preview Pane is on.

   

4. You can save the attachment to disk simply by clicking on the paperclip on the message header. A drop down menu will appear that shows the name or names of the attachments. At the bottom is an option to Save Attachments.

   

5. After clicking Save Attachments a window pops up that asks you where you would like to save the message. If there are multiple attachments you can pick and choose which attachments you would like to save. Or, you click the SELECT ALL button.

   

6. Next is to select the directory where you want to store the attachments. This is done through the dialog box at the very bottom. You can either type the directory in yourself, or browse through the directories on your computer.
7. Remember the directory you chose, and then click SAVE. The attachment is now saved on the computer.
8. Keep in mind that most viruses are not send through e-mail. In most cases just previewing the attachment, through the Preview Pane, will activate the virus. Be on the look out for messages that seem to be forms, and not the style of writing that you are used to from the sender. Always make sure that you know the sender, and beware any attachment that is an executable. After downloading the attachment have your virus scanner check the file.