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Here's a fix to open files in Outlook

Q. Suddenly, I can't open attachments in my Outlook Express 6 e-mail. I went to Microsoft support and got the instructions to correct the problem. When I try to follow them, I can't complete the course because when I right-click the attachment and click Open, I can't click "Save it to disk" because the choice doesn't come up. I'm having to forward my e-mails with attachments to my office e-mail, where I have no problem opening them. So the problem is not with the attachments.

By John Torro, Times Correspondent
Published November 12, 2007


Q. Suddenly, I can't open attachments in my Outlook Express 6 e-mail. I went to Microsoft support and got the instructions to correct the problem. When I try to follow them, I can't complete the course because when I right-click the attachment and click Open, I can't click "Save it to disk" because the choice doesn't come up. I'm having to forward my e-mails with attachments to my office e-mail, where I have no problem opening them. So the problem is not with the attachments.

A. After some security updates, the "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus" option gets turned on by default. To check this, start Outlook Express and on the Tools menu, click Options. Click the Security tab, click to clear the "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus" check box under Virus Protection, and then click OK.

Q. In August 2007 I ordered McAfee Security Line.I have had trouble with the program enacting itself. The program continues to display the message, "Your security is not active, uninstall then reinstall." I have tried to do this to no avail. I also have tried to contact Mcafee several times with no response.

A. Try using the Mcafee Removal tool. Go to http://service.mcafee.com and click on the Technical Support link. Next, click on the FAQ and Search. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the "How to uninstall supported McAfee consumer products using the McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool MCPR.exe" link and follow the instructions for your McAfee product.

Q. I tried to use the Windows XP Home SP2 Fax program. It would not open. I tried to reinstall it through the Add or Remove Programs utility. It would not reload. I got a shareware fax program to see if it was the modem. It worked fine. Where can I get another copy of the XP version? I could not find it anywhere on Microsoft's Web site.

A. The Windows XP Fax program is included in the operating system. I was not able to find a separate downloadable component. It does require initialization and enabling, however. Here are two articles that help configure and troubleshoot Windows XP Fax services: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306550. And one a little more user-friendly: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/crawford_02october21.mspx.

Q. I use Windows XP SP2 on Verizon DSL. When I get files with the ending .swf, I cannot view them.

A. A SWF file is a proprietary vector graphics file format produced by Macromedia Flash software. SWF files can be played by the Flash Player that is usually embedded as an add-on in your browser. You can download and install the program from the www.adobe.com/downloads page by clicking on the "Adobe Flash Player 9" link. It will also try to automatically install the Google Toolbar, which I avoid. Unless the Google Toolbar is something you really want, my recommendation is to uncheck it.

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