Outlook blocks access to certain types of attachments in email. While it's a nice security feature, sometimes you really need that attachment. Here's how to unblock the blocking feature in Outlook email. This requires editing the system registry. If you aren't familiar with the system registry, read the tutorial "Windows System Registry" before you begin, or ask a computer savvy friend for help.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5 minutes
Here's How:
- Close Outlook if it is running. Outlook must be closed before following the steps below.
- Open the registry editor
- Browse to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\<ver>\Outlook\Security
where <ver> equals the version number (for example, 11.0) - After selecting the key above, right-click in the right pane and select New -> Key -> String Value
- Type Level1Remove for the new value name
- Right-click the value Level1Remove and select Modify
- Enter the extension(s) you want to unblock. If there are multiple ones, separate each with a comma.
- Close the registry editor.
- Open Outlook. You should now be able to download, save, or forward the attachment.
Tips:
- For optimum safety, reverse the changes when you have finished opening the attachment.
- Add the registry key to your Favorites list in Registry Editor so you can quicky add or remove extensions as needed.
