Ask the Microsoft Experts
Q: How can I stop Outlook Express from automatically downloading attachments?
A: In Outlook Express 6, you can use the unsafe file list in Internet Explorer to filter e-mail attachments:
Start Outlook Express.
On the Tools menu, click Options.
On the Security tab, under Virus Protection, select the Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus check box.
Please note: The attachments will likely download, but they will be blocked from opening if they are part of the unsafe file list.
For more details about the unsafe file list, or to view other virus protection features in Outlook Express 6, please read Knowledge Base article 291387.