Outlook Express has removed access to unsafe attachments?

Infopackets Reader Joyce J. write s:

" Dear Dennis,

Outlook Express keeps telling me that it has 'removed access to the following unsafe attachments in your mail: Fw_ (and it lists the subject).' Now I cannot gain access to the email.

I've just started having this problem about a week ago after installing the MS02-047: August 22, 2002, Cumulative Patch for Internet Explorer (Q323759).

I sure don't want any virus but these are e-mails from people I know and trust. I have McAfee firewall Plus and VirusScan Online and never have received this message before. Has anyone else received this message? PS: I have learned so much from your newsletter! "

My Response:

I was able to resolve this problem by changing my Outlook Express configuration under Tools -> Options -> Security tab and selecting the "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially contain a virus." I had to close Outlook Express and restart it before it allowed me access to the attachment.