Outlook automatically blocks embedded symbols in email messages as a security measure for your PC against viruses and malware codes that could possibly contain some symbol files. The feature is primarily designed to prevent spam and messages from unknown resources from infecting your PC; However, Outlook also blocks symbols in valid business messages, which can make marketing emails and emails rich in symbols difficult to read. If you cannot see the symbols in Outlook messages, adjust the program’s email settings to unlock the symbols.
Before unlocking photos in Outlook emails, security implications and other benefits. Leaving locked photos not only protects your PC from malicious code, but also helps you avoid viewing offensive or out-of-place content on your desktop. The setting also speeds up email download times, which can be a credit if your PC’s internet connection is slow.
One way to enjoy the most productive world is to leave the symbol lock in position as Outlook’s default settings for all emails, but unlock symbols in individual messages when you think the message is legitimate. To view the symbols in an individual email, click on the data bar with the precaution message in the most sensitive email, then “Download images” in the context menu. Outlook will download and display the missing symbols.
If you receive regular emails that contain photos from a trusted contact, you can configure Outlook to display photos in all emails from a sender or express domain (the email component appears after the ‘O’ symbol). After opening an email from a trusted sender, right-click one of the spaces reserved for blocked photos, then “Add sender to approved sender list” or “Add domain to approved senders list”.
The last and least secure option is to unlock photos in all Outlook email messages as the program’s default settings. Click the “File” tab on the main menu ribbon, then click “Options” and then “Trust Center” and “Trust Center Settings”. Click to clear the “Do not automatically download photos to HTML emails or RSS items” check box. Select this setting only if you rarely receive spam or spam on your computer. Some giant corporate networks would possibly prevent you from disabling this feature.
The data in this article applies to Microsoft Office Outlook 2010. They may differ or, in particular, for other versions of Outlook.
Adrian Grahams began writing professionally in 1989 after his education as a journalist. His paintings have been published online and in newspapers, adding “The Cornish Times” and “The Sunday Independent”. Grahams specializes in generation and communications. He holds a bachelor’s degree in science, a bachelor’s degree in journalism and Internet design and is preparing an MBA.