You may not be able to send attachments using the AOL® Desktop software for any one of the several reasons. Given below are some solutions for resolving this issue. After trying the first solution, check whether you can send send attachments.
You may wish to print or save a copy of these instructions as this page may not remain visible as you go through the suggested steps.
Solutions
Verify whether the attached file is closed
If you are unable to send a file, the file may be open or in use by another program. Make sure you save any changes and close the file before you attempt to attach it again.
Verify Mail Controls settings
Your Mail Controls settings may block you from sending file attachments.
Verify Mail Controls:
1. Click the Mail icon. If prompted, sign in with your screen name and password.
2. Click Settings, and then click Spam Controls.
3. Click Edit Spam Controls.
4. In the Content Filter section, click the Block messages containing pictures or files box to clear it, and then click the Save button.
Compress attachments
If the attachments are any of these file types: .scr, .com, .msi, .bat, .pif , .vbs, .cpl, or .cmd, compressing these files might help in sending them.
Although rare, you may have a valid need of your own to send (virus/spyware-free) files of these types in an e-mail. To prevent the attachment from being removed automatically, please compress the files before sending them. To do this, you can use a third-party compression program, such as WinZip® (which can be freely downloaded from the Web), or you can attach multiple files to the e-mail, which will cause the AOL® software to automatically compress the files.
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Restart computer
Reboot your computer:
1. Shut down the computer:
- If you are using Windows Vista®, click the Start button, click the arrow next to the Lock this computer button, and then click Restart.
- If you are using Windows XP Home Edition, click Start, and then click the Turn Off Computer button. Click the Restart button.
- If you are using Windows XP Pro/2000, click the Start button, and then click Shut Down. Click the What do you want the computer to do? drop-down menu to open it, select Restart, and then click OK.
Scan the attachment for viruses
The AOL e-mail virus scan service automatically scans all e-mail attachments and attempts to repair infected files.
Scan the attachment for viruses:
Send the file as you normally would. Then, as the file is uploaded, the virus scan will occur automatically. If there is a problem found, you will receive one of the following messages:
- Virus Repaired: Click the OK button to continue uploading the attached files.
- Unrepairable Virus Detected: Click the OK button to proceed to the Write Mail window, and then detach the infected files.
- Unable to scan attachment: Click the OK button to continue uploading the attached files.
Scan your computer for virus and spyware
Scanning your computer for viruses and spyware using AOL® Virus Scan protection and AOL® McAfee® Internet Security Suite may solve the issue. Please ensure that the AOL software is closed before you perform the steps below.
To scan for viruses, do the following:
1. On the Windows taskbar, next to the clock, right-click the McAfee® (M) icon, and then click Scan.
2. Under Options, click the Scan Now button.
The Options pane has different options and their descriptions are as follows:
- Scan all files - Thoroughly scan all file types. Click the Scan all files box to clear it if you wish to shorten the scanning time. This will ensure that only program files and documents get scanned.
- Scan for unknown viruses using heuristics - Scan for new, potential viruses. It uses advanced techniques that try to match files to the signatures of known viruses. You can also be assured of a thorough scan. However, it does take more time than a normal scan.
- Scan.zip and other archive files - Ensure that .zip and other compressed files are scanned. Sometimes, virus authors plant viruses in a .zip file. This .zip file is in turn planted into another .zip file to bypass antivirus scanners. Select this option to ensure that these viruses are not overlooked.
- Scan for spyware and potentially unwanted programs - The software detects spyware, adware, dialers, and other potentially unwanted application. By default, this option is enabled for maximum protection.
- Scan and remove tracking cookies - Cookies are blocks of text placed in a file on your computer. Web sites use cookies to identify users on subsequent visits for managing subscriptions, customizing preferences, and tracking interests.
- Scan for rootkits and other stealth programs - Rootkits are programs that alter existing Microsoft® Windows® system files to escape detection. They can include spyware and other stealth programs that might lead to additional security or privacy threats to your computer data and McAfee information.
3. When the scan is complete, a pop-up window will display the details of the scan. To see the scan results of any suspicious files, click View Results.
Note: If the View Results window does not show up, then the computer is virus free.
4. Click the Finish button.
5. Launch the AOL software as you normally would and sign on.
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Uninstall and reinstall the AOL software
Uninstalling the AOL software removes all damaged and non-repairable files. Once the uninstallation is complete, reinstalling a new copy of the AOL software is quick and easy.
Check out the online help article Uninstall AOL software to uninstall and reinstall the AOL software.
Request the sender to resend the file
Please request that the original sender of the e-mail to resend the file, and then try to send it.
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