How do I rename an attachment without saving it to disc

[Guest]

I used to be able to rename an attachment, for example, I received an email
with an attachment. I go to forward that email to someone but need to rename
the attachment first. I used to be able to right click and choose properties
and rename it there, Now when I do that the file name does not change.

 

[Guest]

I don't have an answer for you, but I came searching this forum for the same
question! I frequently have to send Word attachments out, but I'd really like
to change the name before I send it. Saving to disk first is time-consuming
and results in an extra file that I need to remember to remove.

Is there a quick way to change the name of an attachment in an email you're
about to send?

(I'm using Outlook 2003, BTW).

 

[Guest]

For some reason this didn't bump up to the top...trying again. (Sorry for any
inconvenience...really hoping for an answer on this one!!)

 

[Brian Tillman]

I used to be able to rename an attachment, for example, I received an
email with an attachment. I go to forward that email to someone but
need to rename the attachment first. I used to be able to right click
and choose properties and rename it there, Now when I do that the
file name does not change.

An attachment is not a file until you save it to disk. It's merely a string
of Base 64 characters in the body of a message. Consequently it can have
only the name contained in that same message body until you save it, rename
it, then reattach it.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your reply, Brian.

I don't get this, though. Like David, I'm sure I used to be able to do this,
because I didn't have to go through this whole convoluted series of steps
that I have to do now.

My situation is that I do have the file on my hard drive, but I need to
attach it to an email, make a few changes (like accept all changes and turn
on "track changes"), then change the name and send it to someone who is going
to modify it. If the attachment isn't "really" a file, how come I can open it
up and make these changes?

If I can't do this directly from Outlook, is there some kind of workaround
that doesn't involve saving it under a new name, reattaching the new file,
then going back and deleting the new file? This is a big waste of time.

Thanks,
Jen

 

[Brian Tillman]

My situation is that I do have the file on my hard drive, but I need
to attach it to an email, make a few changes (like accept all changes
and turn on "track changes"), then change the name and send it to
someone who is going to modify it. If the attachment isn't "really" a
file, how come I can open it up and make these changes?

Because Outlook extracts it form the message you're composing, making it a
file in a temporary folder.

If I can't do this directly from Outlook, is there some kind of
workaround that doesn't involve saving it under a new name,
reattaching the new file, then going back and deleting the new file?

Beats me. I think you're looking for trouble doing it that way, but it's
just one man's opinion.