Outlook Express has removed access to unsafe attachments, Part 2

With regards to the last issue of the Gazettte newsletter, I received many responses. Here's a few more workarounds:

Infopackets Reader Chris B. writes:

" As you suggest in the last newsletter, Using the Internet Explorer Unsafe File List to Filter E-mail Attachments:

• Start Outlook Express, and then on the Tools menu, click Options.
   
• Click the Security tab, and then click to select the Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus check box under Virus Protection.

This option is not enabled by default. If you enable this option, Outlook Express uses the Internet Explorer 6 unsafe file list and the Confirm open after download setting in Folder Options to determine whether a file is safe. Any e-mail attachment with a file type reported as "unsafe" is blocked from being downloaded. I've found the following settings to be the most practicable.

RE: Run a test by removing a file extension from the IE unsafe list

The Internet Explorer 6 unsafe file list includes any file types that may have script or code associated with them. To add additional file types to be blocked or remove file types that should not be blocked:

• Click Start, point to Settings (or click Control Panel ), and then click Control Panel (or switch to Classic View or View All Control Panel Options); double-click Folder Options.
   
• On the File Types tab, click to select the file type that you want to block or allow, and then click Advanced. If the file type you want to add is not listed, perform the following steps: Click New; In the Create New Extension dialog box, type the file extension you want to add to the unsafe file list; Click OK , and then click Advanced. Finally, click to place a check mark (block) or remove the check mark (allow) from the Confirm open after download checkbox. "

Side Note: You cannot remove the check from Confirm open after download to allow some file types. For example, .exe files are in the default unsafe file list in Internet Explorer and cannot be allowed [hint: check McAfee's Anti Virus settings].

Another suggestion was sent in by John K, who writes:

" Outlook 2002 has a 'feature' that blocks attachments based on the file extension. this is great for blocking viruses, but unfortunately, it also blocks legitimate attachments from coming into your Inbox. Use DetachXP to change which file types are blocked, according to YOUR needs, not those of the Outlook development team! "