Sometimes, we receive an email with an attachment in windows live mail saying it’s a prohibited file type. Normally, the problem is that you really want to open the file and you are absolutely sure that it’s safe to open. In order to protect you against computer viruses, Windows live mail will block certain attachments that are more likely to contain a virus, especially files that are executable. Generally, this is a great feature because every person needs to protect his or her computer from viruses.
When you click on the help link, windows live email mentions that you can’t open the prohibited file type. It also states that you can change the settings to allow you to be able to open these file types for other new emails that will be sent to you. However, changing the setting will not unblock the attachments that windows live email has already received and blocked.
How to Open a Prohibited File in Windows Live Mail
Before learning how to open a prohibited file type in windows live mail, it’s very important to note that it’s best not to allow prohibited file types because they are most likely to contain viruses. However, one can enable this option in order to view or receive a file that he or she knows is safe. Below are the steps to follow:
1) Open Windows live mail
2) Once you are on the home tab, click junk, and select the safety options from the menu.
3) Once on the safety options page, click on the security tab, then, under the virus protection, clear the check box that is labeled “Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus”.
4) Click on the apply option at the bottom of the page. At this point, any new attachments should show up correctly.
How Can I Open a Prohibited File That I Have Already Received?
The simple trick to open a prohibited file type that you have already received is by forwarding it on to yourself.
1) You can forward it on to another email address, perhaps a GMail account, that you have enabled prohibited file types to be received.
2) You can also follow the instructions above to allow these file types, then forward the file on to your own email address in Windows Live Mail. When you get the forwarded email, the attachment should be ready to open.
You Should Always Protect your Computer
After you have saved the file in question, It’s important to remember to change the settings back to block the prohibited file types. In addition, you should ensure that your computer is well protected against viruses in case you accidentally download a file or program that is infected with a virus. Its highly recommended that you install a virus removal software, also known as antivirus software, on your computer in order to protect it against viruses. Most of the virus removal software also includes complete internet security meaning that apart from the antivirus program, they also have other security features such as an internet firewall and often times email attachment scanning.