Attached python file blocked

Question

I asked for help from a friend with a python program for reading RFID readers. He quickly sent me a program, however, I cannot save or copy the file from my outlook email to my desktop in order to open it in a text editor.

Is there a security setting or other protective feature that I need to temporarily disable in order to save this file? I'm very aware of the malware risk, however, this is from a known associate.

Thanks,

Ruth

Answer 1

This answer makes sense and I'll ask him to change the file extension for me.

Answer 2

Outlook blocks certain attachment types, including potentially unsafe files such as .py, and there is no supported temporary setting in Outlook.com or Outlook on the web to simply turn that protection off for a single message.

Safer supported ways to get the file are:

1. Ask the sender to upload the file to OneDrive or SharePoint and send a link instead of attaching it.
2. Ask the sender to compress the file into a .zip file and resend it.
3. Ask the sender to rename the file to a different extension, then after receiving it, save it locally and rename it back to .py.

If the sender renames it, the supported steps are:

1. Locate the attachment in the email.
2. Save the file to a local folder on the device.
3. Right-click the saved file and select Rename.
4. Change it back to the original extension, such as .py.

If the mailbox uses Microsoft Exchange, an Exchange administrator may be able to adjust mailbox security settings for blocked attachment types.

Avoid registry-based unblocking unless advanced administration is required. Editing the registry or security policies incorrectly can cause system issues.

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• Blocked attachments in Outlook
• Outlook blocked access to the following potentially unsafe attachments
• Information about the Attachment Manager in Microsoft Windows