Error message opening WS newsletter

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When I opened today’s email from WS (Four free programs to help control Windows 7 [Newsletter Paid Version]) using Outlook 2003, I got the error message shown which I have not encountered before. I am not aware of having changed any settings, so why has this appeared now? (Also I don’t much use Internet Explorer – my default web browser is Opera.)

Ian

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I most commonly see that message if someone has used Word as their editor and accidentally embedded smart tags into the message. These sometimes are depicted using a dotted underline under a name or address. Basically, I never want ActiveX controls to run in email messages, so I just dismiss it.

I received that newsletter and don’t get the error message. I do not use Word as my mail editor, in case that makes a difference…

Edit #1: I think all the settings relating to Smart Tags are in Word.

Tools > AutoCorrect Options > Smart Tags tab

(1) uncheck Label Text with Smart Tags
(2) open Save Options and uncheck Embed Smart Tags

Tools > Options > General > Email Options

if not grayed out, uncheck Save smart tags in e-mail

Edit #2: If you previously had your Outlook security set to “Internet Zone” (NOT RECOMMENDED) rather than “Restricted Zone” (MUCH SAFER), then you might been allowing Smart Tags (and other ActiveX controls) to run. But that’s unlikely; most people do not lower their Outlook HTML security in that manner.

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I most commonly see that message if someone has used Word as their editor and accidentally embedded smart tags into the message. These sometimes are depicted using a dotted underline under a name or address. Basically, I never want ActiveX controls to run in email messages, so I just dismiss it.

I received that newsletter and don’t get the error message. I do not use Word as my mail editor, in case that makes a difference…

Edit #1: I think all the settings relating to Smart Tags are in Word.

Tools > AutoCorrect Options > Smart Tags tab

(1) uncheck Label Text with Smart Tags
(2) open Save Options and uncheck Embed Smart Tags

Tools > Options > General > Email Options

if not grayed out, uncheck Save smart tags in e-mail

Edit #2: If you previously had your Outlook security set to “Internet Zone” (NOT RECOMMENDED) rather than “Restricted Zone” (MUCH SAFER), then you might been allowing Smart Tags (and other ActiveX controls) to run. But that’s unlikely; most people do not lower their Outlook HTML security in that manner.

Thanks, Jefferson.

I don’t use Word as my email editor. My Outlook security is set to Restricted zone as you suggest. I’ve never seen this message before with any email I’ve received. Perhaps the best thing is to wait for the next WS email and see whether it recurs.

Ian

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