ScoobyDoo555

Obviously, the key to not getting viruses from email, is to not open any dodgy-looking emails. Correct?

However, what if you've got Outlook set to auto-preview the message (emails @ the top of the screen, and message content @ bottom)

There are sometimes attachements, sometimes not. Can I assume that 'opening the email' involves clicking on the attachment?

Or have I been leaving my rear wide open for viruses by having the auto-preview open?

I've been ensuring that any attachment-based email, unless it's from a confirmed source, gets binned. Is this enough, or should I turn off auto-preview?

Dan

what would scooby do

Preview does not open attachments so your OK

Neil Smalley

Some virus's can infect you, even if you open them in a preview window. MS did patch outlook a while back to prevent this from occuring, so again the key is, is to make sure you have the least service packs, anti virus definitions and a firewall(even if you are on dial up).

chiark

Auto preview is not a good idea. Most HTML spam has a graphic with a unique reference number tagged onto it, you they know you've opened it - or that your email address is real...

Certain jscript exploits could knacker your machine if you do not always patch to the latest version of IE, too.

ScoobyDoo555

OK then, so even if I've got the latest virus defs for PC-cillin, and XP-pro + Service pack 1, I presume I need to update IE6 and Outlook XP?

Are there any later Service packs for XP?

Thanks for the info BTW
Dan

chiark

well, there's a hotfix that's quite useful, but you should already have that...

There's some critical patches for IE6, too...