Reference number: CH000728

Missing attachments in Microsoft Outlook.

Question:

Missing attachments in Microsoft Outlook.

Answer:

This document contains information about attachment issues relating to Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Outlook Express. These are two separate programs, make sure you follow the suggestions for the version of Outlook you're running.

Microsoft Outlook Express is blocking the attachment

Microsoft Outlook Express is setup by default to block some types of attachments, for example .exe files and other executable files Microsoft considers unsafe. Although this feature can be disabled, we suggest you leave it enabled if you're running Outlook Express. If you wish to send an executable file through e-mail, compress the file. Additional information about compressing and uncompressing a file can be found on document CH000506.

For users who are aware of the potential risks of accepting executable files and wish to disable this feature, follow the below steps.

1. Open Outlook Express
2. Click Tools
3. Click Options
4. Click the Security tab
5. Within the Security Window under Virus Protection, uncheck "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus"
6. Click Ok 

Below is a listing of file extension Microsoft considers unsafe when sent through e-mail.

.ad, .adp, .crt, .ins, .mdb, .mde, .msc, .msp, .sct, .shb, .vb, .wsc, .wsf, .cpl, .shs, .vsd, .vst, .vss, .vsw, .asp, .bas, .bat, .chm, .cmd, .com, .exe, .hlp, .hta, .inf, .isp, .js, .jse, .lnk, .msi, .mst, .pcd, .pif, .reg, .scr, .url, .vbe, .vbs, .ws, and .wsh.

Additional information about each of the above file extensions can be found on our file extensions page.

Microsoft Outlook has been setup to accept only certain sized files

Microsoft Outlook can be setup to only accept files of a certain size. If you're attempting to receive a large file verify this feature has not been enabled by following the below steps.

1. Open Outlook
2. Click Tools
3. Click Options
4. Click the Mail Delivery tab
5.  Under Mail Delivery make sure the box "Don't download messages larger than xxx KB" is not checked

Internet service provider or e-mail provider is removing the attachment

Finally, in some cases an Internet service provider and/or the e-mail provider will scan incoming e-mails and automatically delete the attachment either because it's considered unsafe or because it exceeds the allocated space given to the user's e-mail account.

In order to determine if this is the cause of your issue, you would need to contact either your Internet service provider or e-mail provider.

An alternative solution to this recommendation if you're unable to get a hold of your ISP or e-mail provider is to setup a free webmail account and try receiving the attachment through the webmail address.

Additional information:

• See document Ch000889 for additional information about why you may not be able to receive file attachments in e-mail.
• See our attachment dictionary definition for additional information related terms.