Windows mail closes when opening attachment

[Stacy]

Why does windows mail close when opening an attachment (most any kind of
attachment) then begins to restart windows mail?

 

[Gary VanderMolen]

Probably because you are running a non-compatible antivirus.
Which one is it?

 

[Stacy]

I do have Norton...have read many posts; and see that updating to windows
live mail; and uninstalling Norton is not a fix....

 

[Gary VanderMolen]

I wouldn't make that assumption. Sometimes it doesn't work, but it
is worth a try.
First try updating your Norton. If no improvement, make sure its email
scanning is disabled. If the problem continues, you have a choice of
uninstalling Norton and/or updating your email to Windows Live Mail.

Be sure to follow a Norton uninstall by using their debris removal tool:
http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

To upgrade to Windows Live Mail: http://get.live.com/wlmail/overview

In any case you must disable antivirus email scanning, for the reason
explained here:
http://thundercloud.net/infoave/tutorials/email-scanning/index.htm

 

[Jacques]

I have similar problem, but on windows mail and vista, with AVG. When AVG
e-mail scan disabled the problem still is there.
With all attachments the windows mail gets white and closes, then restarts,
with message that I get notification when solution to problem is found.

My preference is to fix the existing. is there a check the windows mail
functions or update of windows mail without deleting the old mail?
Thanks in advance

 

[Gary VanderMolen]

Chances are, your AVG antivirus was installed with its default install option.
If so, uninstall it, then reinstall, but select 'custom' install, which then
allows you to unselect installing its troublesome email scanning module.

 

[Gary VanderMolen]

In most cases, that is a good fix, although nothing is 100% effective.
Norton Antivirus 2008 (and earlier) is among the top three troublemakers
for Windows Mail. Symptoms often don't surface until several months have
gone by, or until an update occurs.
First, be sure to disable its email scanning, for the reason explained here:
http://thundercloud.net/infoave/tutorials/email-scanning/index.htm

Several users here have reported that Symantec will give you a free
upgrade to Norton Antivirus 2009, which cures the problem.

In a worst case scenario, you may have to uninstall Norton, followed by
using their debris removal tool:
http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

Instead of uninstalling your antivirus, another option is to upgrade to
Windows Live Mail, which is more resistant to the adverse effects of overly
intrusive antivirus products: http://get.live.com/wlmail/overview