I've spent a good part of this morning getting a laptop salvaged from a nasty virus and talking with email hosting companies. FYI for everyone - the 'new' way to get a virus/spyware onto your computer is when an email with a .rar attachment is sent to you. When using Outlook, as soon as Outlook goes out to get that email the .rar runs. Even if you NEVER open the email. This is the 'newer' way to get junk on your computer. This is exactly what happened to me. I got an email with a subject line something like "Order confirmation" and the body of the email was confirming my recent purchase (which of course was not true, but that's how it passed thru filters) and then the .rar file just ran as soon as Outlook got it. Then, Norton went crazy. It could not delete the source, it just kept deleting new files that popped up. It's been a mess to say the least. Those with more computer knowledge may know of ways to stop or slow this stuff down, but for now I am changing my email hosting company to one that scans each email and appears to stay on top of this stuff. The hosting company I have now was just something they offered as a free item since my web hosting was there. You get what you pay for.
Most major ISP's filter all attachments before they hit your machine, you should also configure Outlook to hide all attachments. I can not stand Time Warner but they do a decent job of filtering viruses through Road Runner.
Surdo - thanks for the advice. How do I 'hide' an attachment? Can I still access the attachment if it's something that I want? Thanks!
Ugh...this is why I use only web based email, and I never open anything unless I know the sender - and it's been downloaded and scanned before run/opened.
It's on the tools, options "security" Tab on OE. Play with the settings in security that hide or block attatchments. I just start to forward the email and I am able see 'em. surdo
If you donât mind loosing some of Outlook functionality you can try the Thunderbird email client (same designers as firefox browser). It is providing a higher security against such type of attacks. http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/thunderbird/
speaking about Thunderbird-i just install it couple days ago and start using it, but some of my statements conformation emails from IB are missing. don't think it was IB problem or my email settings. never h appends with OE. any advise from Thunderbird users,where i should look to fix this problem? Thank you!
I have only heard problems with incorrect mail headers (this usually happens with spam messages). https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=360409 For me it has never missed legit emails.