Computer Buffs please help

[Chris_Stannard]

I am getting emails with attachments which will not open. I have Norton antivirus.

The error message that I get is "OE has removed the following unsafe attachments from your mail"

Does this mean that they have a problem, or that my security setting is too high, or what?

Many thanks in advance.

Chris Stannard

 

[Guest]

Possibly but there has been a few viruses around the place in recent weeks that Nortons has quite rightly been removing. You should be able to submit the error message to the Symantec (Norton) website to see what it means or if it really was a virus.

If you post the actual error message maybe we can tell you.

Cheers

P.S. Did I mention the cricket?

 

[Guest]

Hhmmm, just re-read you post and you mention OE removed the attachement not Nortons in which case yes you probably do have the Outlook Express security settings wrong. Keep your Nortons up to date though as there is a new virus running around today.

Cheers

Derek

 

[bedouin]

I wouldn't necessarily call the settings "wrong". It is quite reasonable to prohibit the receipt of executable files in OE. Anti-virus software can only go so far in protecting your system and I would always advocate acting as if you didn't have it installed - it can give you a false sense of security.

I would recommend asking that the attachment is re-sent in an acceptable form - if it is zipped then it should get through okay.

 

[Dallas]

If you are using the version of Outlook Express that comes bundled with Windows XP then OE will not allow you to open any files that end in .SCR (screen saver) .EXE (Executable) or many files that appear with a double extension. There are a few other extensions that I can’t bring to mind at the moment as well that have the potential to carry a virus. I think there is a way around this but not sure how.

This is for security purposes and does not actually mean you have a virus. OE is just attempting to stop you from getting one.

If however you are using any other OS than XP then sorry, I don’t know.


Dallas

 

[chriscallender]

Hi Chris,

I think you can save the attachment using the right mouse button, run up to date virus scanner on it, and if all clear, open the saved copy by double clicking it.

However there are plenty of viruses about, if you don't know/trust the sender and have an idea on the content then its probably saafest just to delete any emails that come in with attachments even if you have Norton. I've been caught out twice this year just because my virus definitions in Norton are a week or two out of date. Well not me exactly, I just have to fix our home PC once it is infected if you know what I mean ;-)


Chris

 

[Twister_Ken]

First reply in 8 minutes...

...makes R2R a sight faster than Microsoft's helpline!

 

[Guest]

We changed AV package

I have wasted plenty of time as owner of company with OEM packages and Shop supplied installations of Norton .... I have now a co. policy of replacement with Mcafee .... which seems to hold off the dreaded best in all reviews I've read.

As to your problem of attachments removed ..... normally Norton should quarantine the file, allowing you to screen and check it.... before accepting. If you are actually deleting then maybe the security is too high, but then again you may not have set the quarantine ?

Maybe another way is to install Mcafee ?????

Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[byron]

Nigel, if in doubt leave it out. Assuming you can access and reply to the actual email and the email comes from someone you know, write them and ask what they had sent. If it's from someone you don't know then its either {A} A Virus {B} An executable file such as an audio clip advertising something.{C} An executable file that will open and run something on Internet Explorer such as an advert. {D} An insert placing spyware on your PC (quite rare)
In all instances you don't want it anyway.
It wouldn't hurt incidentally to get a free copy of SPYBOT you will be amazed what is already on your PC.
Check the website & feedback forum regularly, several of us post warnings etc. in there. Lastly, I have to agree that McFee is IMHO a better Virus Checker than Norton although I use Sophos myself.

http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk

 

[frilaens]

If you are using Outlook Express then go to Tools, Options..., Security, and turn off the option "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus". This will allow you to save the attachment. I have had the same problem with a perfectly fine Word-document sent to me.

If Norton is in the mode that scans your mail and is up to date (either automatically or you have done this manually) then it is unlikely a virus has been passed through it. Update Norton if necessary, save the attachment to to disk before opening it, virus scan it (click the right mouse button on the file and scan it) and then use it.

Andy