Category: Windows
by Dennis Faas, infopackets editor
http://www.infopackets.com
With regards to the last issue of the Gazettte newsletter, I received many
responses. Here's a few more workarounds:
Chris B. writes,
As you suggest in the last newsletter, Using the Internet Explorer Unsafe
File List to Filter E-mail Attachments:
- Start Outlook Express, and then on the Tools menu,
click Options.
- Click the Security tab, and then click to select the Do
not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a
virus check box under Virus Protection.
This option is not enabled by default. If you enable this
option, Outlook Express uses the Internet Explorer 6 unsafe file list and
the Confirm open after download setting in Folder Options to determine
whether a file is safe. Any e-mail attachment with a file type reported as
"unsafe" is blocked from being downloaded.
I've found the following settings to be the most
practicable.
Run a test by removing a file extension from the IE
unsafe list, i.e. a file extension that is common in your e-mail attachments.
The Internet Explorer 6 unsafe file list includes any file
types that may have script or code associated with them. To add additional
file types to be blocked or remove file types that should not be blocked:
- Click Start , point to Settings (or click Control Panel
), and then click Control Panel (or switch to Classic View or View All
Control Panel Options ).
- Double-click Folder Options.
- On the File Types tab, click to select the file type
that you want to block or allow, and then click Advanced . If the file
type you want to add is not listed, perform the following steps:
a. Click New.
b. In the Create New Extension dialog box, type the file
extension you want to add to the unsafe file list.
c. Click OK , and then click Advanced.
- Click to place a check mark (block) or remove the check mark (allow)
from the Confirm open after download checkbox.
NOTE: You cannot remove the check from Confirm open after
download to allow some file types. For example, .exe files are in the
default unsafe file list in Internet Explorer and cannot be allowed.
Check McAfee's Anti Virus settings.
- Go to McAfee's E-mail Properties.
- Click the Detection tab and check whether Enable Corporate
Mail is checked (enabled).
- If so, click on the Action tab.
- Look at the multiple-choice user action box. Make sure
that the "Delete infected files" option is not selected.
I suggest selecting "Prompt user for action".
Another suggestion was sent in by John K:
Outlook 2002 has a
'feature' that blocks attachments based on the file extension. this is great
for blocking viruses, but unfortunately, it also blocks legitimate
attachments from coming into your Inbox.
Use DetachXP to change
which file types are blocked, according to YOUR needs, not those of the
Outlook development team!
And finally, Kovács G. sent me an URL:
Here is an excellent resource offered by
slipstick.com
which explains quite a bit about the subject of Outlook, Outlook Express,
and email security. Lots of cool programs, too!
