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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Problems with email applications are often resolved in one of two ways. Start by using whichever suggestion you find to be the least problematic for you. If that one does not work, move on to a different suggestion. While I have not found any specific information or similar complaints with this particular problem, the following information should be of some help to you as it does resolve other problems.

AOL recently experienced some widespread issues with their email system. The problem has since been corrected and hopefully this has solved your problem as well.

Troubleshooting AOL Email Sending Error: Disable Auto-Add and Clean Out Contacts

The problem that you are experiencing could be the result of having your contact list on AOL®WebMail filled. Follow the directions here to free up your contact list.

1)   Click “Settings” on the upper right corner of your AOL Mail page.

2)   Click “Compose” on the left.

3)   Look in the “Sending” area and select the box in front of “Automatically add email addresses to contacts,” and click on the “Save” option.

4)   Delete unwanted contacts to free up the contact list.

Troubleshooting AOL Email Sending Error: Check for Updates

Quite often, software fails to work properly if updates are available, but they have not been installed. Visit the AOL website and check for available updates for your email application.

Troubleshooting AOL Email Sending Error: Quick Restore

If you have already obtained the latest updates for AOL email and you are still experiencing an email address error, then you should access the Quick Restore feature and see if this resolves the problem.

The Quick Restore feature resets your AOL email software back to the default status. It deletes any existing updates that you have downloaded. The purpose behind this is to resolve problems resulting from faulty downloads. Plus, if you use the Quick Restore feature and it works, you get to avoid having to download the software from scratch.

Once you have gone through the Quick Restore process, you can then install any AOL updates for the software.

Troubleshooting AOL Email Sending Error: Miscellaneous

• Clean out your email folders. Delete unwanted emails and empty the trash.

• Check your AOL address book and make sure that the email addresses have been entered correctly.

• Contact AOL directly to request a solution to the problem.

What is Compacting?

Before going over how to make the annoying popup disappear, let’s first look at what Outlook Express is asking you to do. The popup is prompting you to “compact” the messages that you have stored on your computer. This is a maintenance chore that should be done periodically to improve Outlook Express’s performance. While in this case the compacting procedure is applied to email messages, the term compacting is often used with databases. In both cases, compacting cleans up a master index that keeps track of the location of records, in this case, email messages.

For example, whenever you delete a message, it goes to the Deleted Items folder. When you empty the Deleted Items folder, the email disappears altogether. However, the message is not really gone (yet). Rather changes have been made to Outlook Express’s index instructing the software not to display the selected file. Compacting is a process where the deleted emails are finally removed, the index is rebuilt, and related entries removed.

Benefits of Compacting Messages

Periodically compacting messages doesn’t affect your current messages, so you don’t need to worry about losing emails. It simply finalizes older deletions and cleans up the leftovers. By compacting messages, you may also notice benefits such as faster loading of Outlook Express, faster email loading, faster previews, and so on.

How to Make the Compacting Messages Popup Go Away

You are likely receiving the popup right now because Outlook Express has reached a predetermined point where it is set to prompt you to compact messages. This setting is variable and is based on the number of times Outlook Express is opened and closed. To make the message go away for the short term, either click Cancel (or No depending on your version) or allow Outlook Express to compact your messages. If you allow the compacting to take place, do not interrupt the process. It may take a few minutes to complete.

To change how often you are prompted to compact messages, go to Tools > Options > Advanced and click on the Maintenance section. Find “Compact the database on shutdown every ___ runs” and enter the number of times you want to open and close Outlook Express between compacting sessions.

This can happen due to several different settings, both on your own computer as well as on the computers of your recipients. Let’s start by looking at your outgoing message settings and then we’ll look at the settings your recipients may need to tweak.

Outgoing E-mail Settings

When you send an e-mail, your e-mail program will send the message in HTML or plain text format. HTML, Hyper Text Markup Language, is the language commonly used for Web pages. When your e-mails are sent in HTML format, fonts, stationary, smiley faces, images, and other settings are sent. In other words, your e-mail messages look “pretty.” When your e-mails are sent in plain text format, all of the pretty formatting is discarded. Your recipients will see plain old text and any embedded images will disappear.

Check to see if your e-mail client is sending messages in HTML or plain text. If it’s sending plain text, change this setting to HTML. The steps vary from one e-mail client to the next. Using Windows Live Mail as an example, you would to Tools > Options and click on the Send tab. Under Mail Sending Format, click HTML.

Another possibility involves the “send pictures with e-mail” setting in Windows Live Mail. When forwarding an e-mail with embedded pictures, click on the Format menu from within the message that you are composing and make sure that “Rich Text (HTML)” and “Send pictures with message” are both selected.

Incoming E-mail Messages

Even if you are doing your part and sending the e-mail messages properly, it’s still possible that your friends will not receive the images. Several possibilities include:

• File size restrictions imposed by Internet Service Providers
• Plain text setting for incoming messages
• Computer security software blocking images

ISPs often block large messages and photos are notoriously large. However, since your friends are receiving text, this doesn’t appear to be the case.

Just as your outgoing settings could have been set to send messages in HTML or plain text, so too can your friends’ e-mail settings be set to read messages in plain text. As an example, in Windows Live Mail, your friends would need to go to Tools> Options and click on the Read tab. Under Reading Messages, they would need to remove the check mark next to “Read all messages in plain text.

Finally, computer security programs often block suspicious images. Spammers use embedded images to gauge whether or not a user has opened the spam e-mail message. Since the images are linked to a remote server, the spammer can verify if you opened the e-mail by looking at server logs. By blocking the images, the server is never contacted and the spammer can’t verify if you opened the e-mail or not. Usually, there’s a link that says, “unblock images” when this occurs. Your friends may also be able to adjust these settings. In Windows Live Mail, these settings are found in Tools > Safety Options. Your friends should add you to their Safe Senders list and then click on the Security tab. From there, they should place a check mark in the option that says, “Show images and internal content sent from e-mail addresses in my Safe Senders list.”

Incredimail can be difficult to uninstall. If all of the files haven’t been uninstalled properly, then the reinstallation of Incredimail will not work properly. Incredimail can also offer some incompatibility issues with other programs. Without knowing for sure which problem you are dealing with, you’ll have to go through each one of the following suggestions until you find out which one solves the problem for you. Start at the top with the directions for ESET as that is the most likely solution to your problem.

Incredimail Problems: ESET Security Setting

If you are using the ESET Smart Security application, you might be experiencing a common problem between this application and POP3 accounts. The security settings are high to disallow the intrusion of spam. This creates problems with certain email applications including Incredimail. What you need to do is to adjust and possibly even disable the NOD32 email protection. Try this fix:

1. Click the ESET icon (should be located in the system tray) to open the program or follow this path: Start>All Programs>ESET>ESET Smart Security or ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
2. Press the “F5” key to show the Advanced Setup dialog screen.
3. Search for the following in the display: Antivirus and antispyware>Protocol Filtering.
4. Select the option labeled, Applications marked as Internet browsers or e-mail clients’ option.
5. Select “Antivirus and antispyware>web access protection>’HTTP’>web browsers   from the Advanced Setup dialog screen. Make sure that the only entries are for the web browsers or email clients that you use.
6. Select POP3>email clients.
7. Look for the slider in the following area: Email protection>POP3>Compatibility. Once you find it, slide it over to the left.
8. Select OK to save the changes that you have made.
9. Try to use the Incredimail application. If it still does not work, repeat these steps only this time move the slider all of the way over to the left and try again to use Incredimail.

Incredimail Problems: ESET Real Time Protection

ESET has been known to freeze up email applications due to its real time protection capability. This causes the program to freeze or act oddly in the manner that you have stated. Excluding Incredimail from the real time protection might be the fix that you need. Follow these steps:

1. Click the ESET icon (should be located in the system tray) to open the program or follow this path: Start>All Programs>ESET>ESET Smart Security or ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
2. Press the “F5” key to show the Advanced Setup dialog box.
3. Search for the following in the display: Antivirus and antispyware>Exclusions. Now, select “Add” from the bottom of the dialog box. This generates the “Add exclusion” box.
4. Search through the directory and select the main exe file for Incredimail in order to exclude it. This file should now appear in the exclusion field.
5. Select ok.
6. Select ok again.
7. Go back to the Advanced Set up and select Antivirus and antispyware>web access protection>HTTP>web browsers.
8. If Incredimail is listed, then you should double click on the box that is next to it to generate a red X. Click ok. If you don’t see it listed, select Add from the bottom and search for the .exe file for Incredimail. If you see it double click it to generate the red X. Click ok.
9. Reboot your computer.

Incredimail Problems: Use the Repair Feature

The Incredimail program has a repair feature that can be used at anytime when you are having problems with it. All of the information that you already have in the application is saved during the repair process too! If you haven’t already tried this strategy, do so now. Just follow these steps:

1. Click on Start.
2. Select Programs.
3. Search for and select Incredimail.
4. Select the Uninstall Incredimail Option.
5. Select the Repair Incredimail Option that is listed.
6. Select Next.
7. It is necessary to restart your computer at this point.