Outlook Express Version 6

Why when I try to open an attachement is it greyed out and I can't open it?

A common problem when using Microsoft Outlook Express Version 6 is to try and open an attachment in an email, but find that it is greyed out and you can't open the attachment.

This is caused by Microsoft making the default selection within the virus protection section of Outlook Express version 6:

"Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus."

In order to change this setting you must run Outlook Express Version 6, then select Tools -> Options then select the Security tab, you will find that "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus." is ticked. Untick it, and click OK.

You should now be able to open attachments that you receive via email. However becareful as these attachments could potentially contain a virus, be very cautious of .exe and .scr filetypes. The best protection will be to install a virus check, for more information on virus checkers click here.