Need computer answer

[Massagegirl]

I keep getting joke email attachments but when I try to open them and get that box that gives the 4 options (open-save-cancel-more) and hit open, the box just comes up again and the attachment never opens.

When friends attach photos and such they always open, so why not these joke ones?? Is there a setting I need to change? I have Nortons and it deletes them if there's a virus, so I don't get why it won't open.

Anyone out there ever had this problem and knows the solution? I hate to miss a laugh...

 

[pizzapest]

What program are you using to read your email?

 

[kendo]

What type of file is it? By this I mean what is the 3 letter suffix on the filename?

Example: mydocument.doc, the .doc is the suffix and identifies it as a Word document.

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A good rule of thumb. If you get an attachment that is from a trusted source BUT could contain harmful code; such as a .bat, .exe, .com, .vbs to name just a few; then try and hold onto the email and DO NOT open the attachment for a few days. This will give you some added protection as it allows others to get hit with potential viruses before you and perhaps your friend will let you know the next day 'oh don't open that email i sent you it had a virus'.

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Norton won't pick up on everything. If its a new virus/trojan/etc and it has yet to be added to the new virus definition files or perhaps it is so new no one yet knows about it then you can still get hit.

Also, alot of people incorrectly setup their virus software and leave themselves vunerable to certain types of files. Not saying that is what you have done but just double check your settings and make sure your scanning as much as you can. (=

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Personally I don't open any attachments that are executables unless I have specifically requested them from the sender. Or I can check the code out first. Example: open up a .bat file in a text editor and check for malicious code.

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Just some ideas, I probably forgot something as I am a little sleepy.

Kendo

 

[sushiman]

I keep getting joke email attachments but when I try to open them and get that box that gives the 4 options (open-save-cancel-more) and hit open, the box just comes up again and the attachment never opens.

When friends attach photos and such they always open, so why not these joke ones?? Is there a setting I need to change? I have Nortons and it deletes them if there's a virus, so I don't get why it won't open.

Anyone out there ever had this problem and knows the solution? I hate to miss a laugh...

Is the file from someone you know? If so, MIGHT be OK but check with them first to confirm. If from an unknown source - DELETE IT.

 

[Mr.Wolf]

Get a Mac...Oh no, I can feel the haste already...never had a virus in 5 years.

 

[Massagegirl]

I use Outlook express, and they don't seem to have a suffix, just a few words like "too creepy" or "check this out" with the size in brackets. They are from a trusted sourse, and one persons always open yet from 2 others they never do. Sonny's probably right...

 

[hitrack]

use a spam filter and just dump that e-mail right in the trash.

 

[Makhno]

I keep getting joke email attachments but when I try to open them and get that box that gives the 4 options (open-save-cancel-more) and hit open, the box just comes up again and the attachment never opens.

When friends attach photos and such they always open, so why not these joke ones?? Is there a setting I need to change? I have Nortons and it deletes them if there's a virus, so I don't get why it won't open.

Anyone out there ever had this problem and knows the solution? I hate to miss a laugh...

By default Outlook Express blocks what it deems to be unsafe attachments. JPG files (the most common photo format) are not blocked which may explain why the photos get through.

If your e-mail looks like this, your attachments are being blocked:

You can unblock this feature if you wish, but you may expose yourself if you are indiscriminate in opening attachments. See this article if you wish to unblock attachments.