How to Unblock Unsafe Attachments in Outlook

wangluo010

　　By Craig Buckler

　　There’s a vast range of desktop and online email clients but it’s
hard to beat Microsoft Outlook. The application has been around since
1997 and, despite a few dodgy decisions regarding HTML rendering, it’s
still the email client of choice for me and many others.
　　Unfortunately, there’s an Outlook message web developers hate:
　　Outlook blocked access to the following potentially unsafe attachments…
　　Thanks Microsoft. I know why you’re blocking that JavaScript file, but I know what it is and I really, really want it.
　　Outlook
doesn’t allow you to unblock unsafe attachments. Fortunately, there is a
way to obtain the file and prevent the embarrassment of requesting a
renamed version. Before we start…




tip: BIG REGISTRY WARNING!　　We’re
about to delve into the Windows registry. Please move along if you
don’t know what the registry is or have never dabbled with it before.
It’s a dangerous place — once false move and your PC will explode.
　　The
fix will also reduce Outlook security settings. That’s not a problem
for someone with reasonable IT knowledge, but it’s not for everyone.
　　Still here? OK, here’s what you do:
　　1. Close Outlook
　　2. Run regedit.exe
Navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\XX.X\Outlook\Security

　　Where XX.X indicates your version of Outlook:

• 14.0 for Microsoft Office 2010
  
• 12.0 for Microsoft Office 2007
  
• 11.0 for Microsoft Office 2003
  
• 10.0 for Microsoft Office 2002
  
• 9.0 for Microsoft Office 2000
  

　　3. Create a new value
Create a new string value key in that location named:

Level1Remove
　　4. Choose your ‘safe’ file types
Edit the key and enter a list of attachment extensions you want to
unblock. Each should start with a period and be separated with a
semi-colon. For example…
　　To unblock JavaScript files only, enter:

.js

　　To unblock JavaScript, VBScript, and exe files, enter:

.js;.vbs;.exe

　　Click OK to save the value then exit regedit.
　　5. Restart Outlook
The attachment should be magically unblocked. Try rebooting if that’s not the case.
　　Microsoft provide a useful support page with alternative options and configuration advice for those using Exchange Server.