Undo an Outlook Update

I recently downloaded the Outlook 2000 SR-1 E-mail Security Update, which is designed to thwart e-mail viruses. Now I can't open or save programs sent to me as e-mail attachments. Is there a way around this prohibition?

Jason Waltman, Salt Lake City

Unfortunately, removing the upgrade isn't easy. And if you use Office XP's Outlook 2002, there's no upgrade to remove--the inability to save e-mail attachments is embedded in the program.

The easiest solution is to use Outlook Express to open messages with attachments you want to save (after you scan the attachments for viruses, of course). First, create an Outlook folder for messages with blocked attachments. In Outlook's Inbox, select File, New, Folder (click the chevron if you don't see all available options). Call the folder ToOE.

When you receive a message carrying an .exe attachment you want to run, drag it to the ToOE folder. Then launch Outlook Express (it doesn't need to be set up to access your e-mail account). Select File, Import, Messages to launch the Outlook Express Import wizard. On the first page, select Microsoft Outlook. On the second, click the Selected folders radio button, and then choose ToOE. On the third page, click Finish.

Outlook Express will now have its own ToOE folder containing your message and a fully accessible attachment.

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