Outlook Blocks Attachments

‘Outlook blocked access to the following potentially unsafe attachments

KB ID 0000058

Problem

Yes it is annoying, someone tries to send you a copy of an program, a database r you are the one doing the sending, and your Outlook client blocks it, but this is done for a good reason. Microsoft have classified 39 different file types as being “dangerous” to your system and have categorized them into two levels. Level 1 files are blocked completely, and level two files show up as an icon in your Email but when you try to open them outlook forces you to save them.

Outlook blocked access to the following

If your reading this the chances are you are having problems with Level 1 blocked files?

Level 1 Blocked Files

.ade Microsoft Access project extension
.adp Microsoft Access project
.bas Microsoft Visual Basic class module
.bat Batch file
.chm Compiled HTML Help file
.cmd Microsoft Windows NT Command Script
.com Microsoft MS-DOS program
.cpl Control Panel extension
.crt Security certificate
.exe Program
.hlp Help file
.hta HTML program
.inf Setup Information
.ins Internet Naming Service
.isp Internet Communication settings
.js JScript file
.jse Jscript Encoded Script file
.lnk Shortcut
.mda Microsoft Access add-in program
.mdb Microsoft Access program
.mde Microsoft Access MDE database
.mdz Microsoft Access wizard program
.msc Microsoft Common Console Document
.msi Microsoft Windows Installer package
.msp Windows Installer patch
.mst Visual Test source files
.pcd Photo CD image/Microsoft Visual Test compiled script
.pif Shortcut to MS-DOS program
.reg Registry entries
.scr Screen savers
.sct Windows Script Component
.shs Shell Scrap Object
.url Internet shortcut
.vb VBScript file
.vbe VBScript Encoded Script file
.vbs VBScript file
.wsc Windows Script Component
.wsf Windows Script file
.wsh Windows Script Host Settings file

OK so now you know WHY your files have been blocked, you need to decide what you are going to do about it.

Solution

The simplest option is to get the files “Re-sent” and change the file extension to something that wont be blocked (like .txt for example) OR put your files in something else like a 7-Zip or WinZIP file and send them.

If you want to disable the feature completely read on…..

Outlook Express (Blocks Attachments)

1. Start Outlook Express.

2. On the Tools > Options.

3. 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.

Outlook 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002, and 2000 (SP3) Blocking Attachments

1. Windows Key +R > Regedit {enter}
2. Navigate to;

HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Office > {version} > Outlook > Security

NOTE for each version of Outlook, the number in the registry path is different.

  • Outlook 2000 (SP3) 9.0
  • Outlook XP/2002 10.0
  • Outlook 2003 11.0
  • Outlook 2007 12.0
  • Outlook 2010 14.0
  • Outlook 2013 15.0

In NEWER Versions of Outlook you will need to manually create the Security key.

3. Right click in the right Pane and select New > String Value.

potentially unsafe attachments

4. Call the new string Level1Remove.

potentially unsafe attachments

5. Now you need to tell the registry what you want to allow through, and you need to do it for EACH file extension you want to let through, for this example I’m going to let through executable programs, and MS Access Databases. Double click the Level1Remove string you just created.

potentially unsafe attachments

NOTE: You need to type every extension (preceded by the full stop) and separate each with a colon (no spaces).

7. When you are done, click OK and close the registry editor.

potentially unsafe attachments

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

Original Article Written: 09/11/09

Author: Migrated

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