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I have copied my Outlook emails from my office to a 2 GB thumb drive and then at home onto a formatted CD R/W. I couldn’t copy to the formatted R/W CD at work with Vista (God I HATE that operating system). Now, these files show themselves with .MSG extension and my home PC (Windows XP Home Edition) and my Windows 7 laptop can’t open them. To be sure I had these emails saved correctly on the thumb drive, I checked the thumb drive’s contents at three other similarly set up (with Vista) computers at my workplace; they all read my thumb drive’s Microsoft Outlook email files. What is going on and how do I get both my Windows 7 OS laptop and my tower with XP to read the CD or the thumb drive’s files with the .MSG extensions? This is soooo frustrating!

Microsoft Outlook Files

Microsoft Outlook does use the MSG file extension to save email messages, so the display of messages that you are seeing with the MSG extension is correct. However, I’m not sure if you are accessing the files via the thumb drive or the CD. Since the thumb drive worked fine on other systems, I wonder if you can access the files from the thumb drive on your home systems?

Company Email Policies

Before we move forward, it’s important to consider your company’s email policy. It’s quite possible that the company prohibits employees from copying computer files onto portable storage devices. If so, you may need to get permission from higher ups in order to copy your messages and access them from your personal computers. In addition, it’s also possible that the IT department has encrypted the files. If so, company computers likely have the appropriate “keys” for decrypting the messages, which explains why the other work computers could open the files but not your home computers.

If the files are encrypted, then you’ll be unable to open them without the appropriate permissions.

Opening MSG Files

Assuming that you have the company’s permission to transfer the files to your personal computers and that the files are not encrypted, you will need Microsoft Outlook on your personal computers. Outlook Express and Microsoft Mail/Windows Live Mail will not work.

In addition, there could be compatibility issues between your version of Outlook and the version you use at work. For example, Outlook 97-2002 uses a different Personal Folders File format than Outlook 2003 and 2007. While these formats are related to Outlooks PST files, it’s possible that the MSG files could be treated differently.

Also, your computers may need to be told to use Outlook to open the MSG file extension. If you do have Outlook installed, try right-clicking a MSG file and choosing Open With. From there, Click the Browse button and find Outlook. If that works, you’ll want to check the box making it the new default for MSG files.

If your personal computers do not have Microsoft Outlook installed, MSG viewer programs are available. Do an Internet search for “MSG viewer” and you’ll find a number of options. Choose a program from a trusted download provider such as CNET Downloads.

I can’t get my Incredimail to open for me. I was just in it a couple hours ago, but now it won’t work. Help.

Glitches like this happen with programs all of the time. Try the suggestions listed below to see if you can fix this Incredimail error. If you are trying to access the program through a desktop icon, see if the first set of directions will work to open it.

Troubleshooting Incredimail Program Error: Repair Feature

The Incredimail application includes a handy repair tool that you can use whenever you experience an Incredimail error or can’t open Incredimail. All of your information is saved when you use this feature, so there aren’t any worries about losing your contact list or saved emails. Follow these directions:

1.    Access the Control Panel and open the Add/Remove Utility.

2.    Search for “Incredimail” and right click on it.

3.    Select the option to “Repair” or “Change” your Incredimail application. The labeling of this option varies depending on the version of Incredimail that you have, but they refer to the same process.

You can also try to do it this way:

1. Navigate to “Start” in the lower left-hand corner of the screen.
2. Select “Programs” from the list.
3. Select the “Incredimail” application.
4. Select the “Uninstall Incredimail Option.”
5. Search for and select the top option labeled “Repair Incredimail.”
6. Select “Next.”
7. Restart your computer.

Troubleshooting Incredimail Program Error: Use Safe Mode

Try booting up your computer in Safe Mode. Sometimes this process is all it takes to fix glitches on a computer.

Troubleshooting Incredimail Program Error: Scan for Spyware and Viruses

On the off chance that you have some sort of spyware or a computer virus on your computer that is causing the Incredimail error, scan for malware using Anti-Virus PLUS or your current anti-virus/anti-spyware application.

Troubleshooting Incredimail Program Error: Upgrade

If the repair of the program did not fix it for you, it is possible that you can’t open Incredimail because a current upgrade is missing. Use these directions and see if you are able to access the upgrade for the program:

1. Select “Start” in the lower left-hand corner of the screen.
2. Select “Programs.”
3. Select “Incredimail.”
4. Select the option to “Uninstall Incredimail.”
5. Select the middle option that is listed. It should be labeled “Upgrade to a better version.”
6. Select “Next” and restart your computer.

Troubleshooting Incredimail Program Error: Uninstall and Reinstall Incredimail

If you can’t open Incredimail at all, it might be necessary for you to uninstall the application completely and then reinstall it. You can easily find the download on the Incredimail website.

How do I change my email display name?

Changing Email Names

Many reasons exist for changing an email display name including:

• Legal name changes
• Adding or removing a partner from a shared email account
• Spelling errors
• Adding or removing a company name or title

Each email client has its own unique steps. Fortunately, the steps are usually relatively similar.

Changing Email Display Name in Outlook Express or Windows Mail

If it’s been a while since you initially set up your email account in Outlook Express or Windows Mail, or if you have just set up your account but realize that you want a different display name, you can easily go in and edit this field. Open your email client and then click on Tools > Accounts. Choose Mail and then find your email account in the list. Highlight the account and click on the Properties button. In the General tab, you’ll see an area labeled “User Information.” Find the Name field and make the desired change.

Changing Email Display Name in Web-based Mail

You can also change your email display name in your Web-based email accounts such as Gmail and Hotmail. The process varies from one email provider to the next though the steps are generally similar. As an example, let’s take a look at changing the email display name in Netzero. First, sign into your Netzero account and click on the Mail link. On the right side of the screen, you’ll see a link labeled “Options.” Click that link and choose Personal Info from the list. Next, a screen appears. The first field allows you to modify your name and the second allows you to add or modify a signature line. Go ahead and make your changes and then click the Save button down at the bottom.

These two examples should put you on the right path toward modifying your email display name.

I can’t open an attachment to an email that I received.

Email Attachment Types

Email attachments take many forms ranging from photos and video clips to documents, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and even executable files. Because of the huge range of attachment types, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of “how do I open an email attachment?” The first step is to determine what type of file the attachment is. Once you know what kind of file you are dealing with, you’ll then need to find an appropriate program for opening it.

Determining Attachment Type

The file type of your email attachments may or may not be obvious. Usually, the attachment will have a file extension which will provide you with a clue as to the file’s type. For example, a file named “officevideo.wmv” is a file that has been named “officevideo” with a file extension of .wmv which is a Windows Media Video file. If you can see the file extension of your email attachment, that will be your first clue. Do a quick Internet search to find out what type of file the file extension represents. Doing so will usually also provide you with information about what type of program is needed to open the file. For example, a PDF file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to open it.

Opening the Attachment

If your computer has the appropriate program for opening the attachment type, then opening it is a simple matter of double-clicking it. However, the file association may not be set. If this is the case, save the file to your hard drive by right-clicking it and choosing Save As. Once you do that, open Windows Explorer (right-click the Start button and choose Explore) and then navigate to the saved file. Right-click the file and choose Open With. Now, browse your computer to find the right program and select it. Place a check mark in the “Always use the selected program to open this file type” box. Click OK and the desired program should launch and open the attachment.

Email Settings

Depending on which email client you are using, the software may be set to block certain attachment types. For example, in Windows Live Mail, if you go to Tools > Safety Options and click the Security tab, you’ll find an option that says, “Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus.” If this is set, your attachment will not open even if you have the correct software installed.

One final point is to evaluate whether or not to bother with the attachment. Consider who’s sending it and why. If it appears to be yet another email with silly photos, jokes, videos, or cartoons, you may want to skip it as these viral messages can contain malware. On the other hand, if your boss sent a sales report and needs you to review it right away, then opening the file is urgent.

Windows Live refuses to accept a password which I have used for many years! I know I have dozens of e-mails awaiting my action but cannot gain access to them. What steps will help me to gain access to this info?

This must be extremely frustrating. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this for you. Assuming you’ve already double checked the obvious (such as making sure Caps Lock isn’t on and entering your password properly), let’s look at what could be interfering with your access to Windows Live. Several possibilities exist including the possibility that the Windows Live service is temporarily down, cookies have been disabled on your computer, or your Windows Live ID has either expired or been blocked.
Windows Live Service Interruptions

Though rare, it’s not unheard of for a service to go down temporarily, including Windows Live Services. By now, if your Windows Live ID still is not working, it’s safe to say that this isn’t the issue. On the other hand, if your problem has resolved itself since you originally asked this question, then a service interruption may have been to blame.

Windows Live Cookies

Windows Live requires that your computer accepts cookies. If you’ve recently upgraded your browser or made changes to your computer’s privacy settings, it’s possible that the browser is no longer properly configured for Windows Live. Go to Tools > Internet Options and click the Privacy tab. Choose Advanced and mark the Override Automatic Cookie Handling box. Choose either “Always allow session cookies” (if you are sharing your computer with others) or accept First Party Cookies (if you are using a private computer). Confirm your selection by clicking OK.

You may need to delete your temporary Internet files and cookies as well. While in Internet Options, go to the General tab > Browsing History > Delete and delete your temporary Internet files and cookies.

Windows Live ID Expirations

Depending on how your account is set up, it’s possible that your Windows Live ID has expired either by design or due to inactivity. For example, you can set up your Windows Live ID password to expire periodically as a security measure. However, if this were the case, you would’ve been prompted to create a new password. Windows Live IDs can also expire if your account has been inactive for over a year.

Windows Live Blocking

Your account may be blocked. This can happen when trying to sign in with the incorrect password multiple times. This is a security measure to protect against automated account hacking. When your account has been blocked, you’ll be presented with an image of letters and characters. You’ll then need to prove that you’re a human by entering in the correct keystrokes.

If none of the above possibilities apply and you are still having trouble signing into your Windows Live account, contact Windows Live Support and fill out an email support form using an alternative email address.

Google is sending me mails regularly showing failure to deliver. It’s now a year passing and they have not stopped it. How to stop them?

Google Failure to Deliver Messages

Google and other email providers routinely send failure to deliver messages to users who have sent email messages that for one reason or another never landed in the intended recipients’ inboxes. Common reasons that messages fail to be delivered include mistyped email addresses, recipient mailboxes too full, blocked email messages, and file sizes being too large.

For example, if you misspell an email address, the message will either be delivered to the wrong person or it will fail to be delivered because the user does not exist. Thus, you’ll receive a failure to deliver message from your email provider, in this case, Google. Similarly, if the user has abandoned the email account or placed a block on any messages coming from you, you will also receive this message. Also, when your recipient’s mailbox has reached its limit, no more incoming mail will be accepted - and you guessed it - you’ll receive a failure to deliver message.

Sending large attachments can also lead to delivery failures. Some ISPs restrict the size of incoming and outgoing messages. If your recipient’s ISP has a 10MB attachment limit and you send an email with a 12MB attachment, you will receive a failure to deliver message.

Spammed Failure to Deliver Messages

Another possibility is that these messages are spam messages containing computer viruses or spyware. Oftentimes, legitimate failure to deliver notices contain an attachment of your original message. While this helps you determine which message didn’t get through, it has paved the way for spammers to trick users into opening attachments. Spammers are good at the art of deception and it’s indeed possible that what you are seeing is an imposter.

Detective Work

Now, it’s time to figure out what all of the failure to deliver messages have in common. Are you regularly receiving the messages when sending email to a particular user? If so, check to see if the email address is correct. If you have an offline way to contact the recipient, ask if any of your messages are going through. Check to see if some messages go through and not others. On the messages that are not going through, are attachments involved? What size are the attachments?

If you’d rather not be notified each time a message doesn’t go through, you can create a message rule to block the message notification.