Problem downloading with Windows XP

[smurfchops]

I have lots of problems downloading attachments. I go thru the download, then I get a window that says "Windows cannot open this file.... Windows needs to know who created it.... Use the web service to find the appropriate programme or select the programme from a list. " What can I do ?

[Whickerman]

what's the file type - the extension? (eg for Word documents the extension is .doc and for powerpoint it's .pps or .ppt - that kind of thing)

[TEAK36]

sounds like you are trying to open an attachment for programs that are not installed on your PC.
For example, if you try to open an Excel or Word document when you do not have either program installed, you will see the message you are getting.

As whickerman has already mention, what is the file extension of the attatchment you are trying to open.

[smurfchops]

Teak, yes I think you are right, but how to do I install these programmes? And how do I find the file type? Thanks, sorry, I'm not very technical. I have Windows XP by the way.

[TEAK36]

Hi smurfchops,

I think if you right click on the attachment and select properties you will see the file extension. For example, a Word Document will end in .doc, and Excel file will end in .xls, a text file will end in .txt.

If you can find out the file extension, then it should be easy to find out what software you need to open it.

Alternatively, when you get the message stating that windows cannot open the file, select the web service option and it should help you find out what is required.

[smurfchops]

Thanks TEAK, I am always dubious about loading new things in case I get viruses ... I suppose software is OK tho ..