Windows Mail issues..

[sara3]

my email is handled via WIndows Mail. I never quite understood why images didn't download in the preview pane, "to prevent the user from identifying my computer" was the message at the top of emails (or something like), which you then click on to download images, so an explanation would be appreciated!

anyway, the one-line message has now disappeared, and the font in the header also appears to have changed. the only way I can view any images in emails is to open the message in a new window. this is somewhat annoying.

any suggestions, please?

[sara3]

okay, I've unchecked a "don't download images in html" box that I found (no idea why is became ticked) so the images are back, but it still looks different.

is it a security issue to let the pics download?

[rojash]

A lot of reputable firms, when sending e-mail newsletters and the like, rather than including pictures in the e-mail, simply include links to the pictures on web servers.

However, this means that your computer is connecting to a web server to download the pictures, even though you may not be aware of it.

Less reputable firms can use these connections to (a) check that the e-mail arrived (for spammers this is great, as they now know that yours is a valid e-mail address), (b) send you nasties along with, or instead of the pictures.

[sara3]

thanks Rojash, I never knew that!

my settings have changed and now all pics are downloading without giving me the choice. any ideas how to change it back? my choices seem to be allow or don't allow so no option to choose for each email, which I had before.

[sara3]

I can't open attachments from the preview pane now.. I have to open the email in a new window :o/

[rojash]

Taking your questions in reverse order:
Frankly, you are better off turning off the preview pane entirely. Otherwise malicious e-mails will be opened as son as you click on them: Click View/Reading pane/Off.

Regarding showing images:
Click the menu Button
Options/Safety Options
Select the Security tab
In the Download Images section, you can uncheck "Block Images...", but once again, I wouldn't recommend it. If you check both boxes, when you double-click and e-mail and open it, you'll see a yellow bar at the top (if the email contains links). You'll have the option to add the sender to your Safe Senders, list (in which case images from this sender won't be blocked again), or Show Images (in which case you'll see the images, but your answer won't affect any future emails from this sender).

IMNSHO these settings are the best compromise between safety and convenience.

[sara3]

thanks Rojash, I've changed my settings although they were fine before.. not sure how they managed to change themselves!