When you receive an email with an attachment on AOL email on the web, you can open the attachment from the Email window or save the file on your computer. Emails that contain attachments are noted by a small disk icon and envelope icon to the left of the email in your New Email folder.

Note: File attachments may contain viruses that may cause your computer to run incorrectly or send out your password so that someone else can access your account. The files may be presented as a picture, a game, or an electronic greeting. The best policy to keep your computer safe is to never open or download any attachment unless it is an expected file from someone you know, and to install and use software that helps to protect your computer from viruses and other online threats. For more information about safety and security when using AOL products and services, visit AOL Keyword: Safety.

Open an attachment

When you receive a message with an attachment, you can open the attachment from the Email window. You will need to download the file if you want to open it outside of AOL Email on the web.

To open an attachment:

1. Open the email with the attachment.
2. Next to Files:, click the name of the attachment.
3. Click the Open button.

Note: You cannot open an attachment unless you have a program that can open it. For example, if an attachment is a Microsoft PowerPoint file, you must have PowerPoint software installed on your computer to open and view the file.

Download an attachment

You can download an attached file to your computer if you want to keep the attachment or view it outside of the AOL email on the web window.

To download an attachment:

1. Open the email with the attachment.
2. Next to Files:, click the name of the attachment.
3. Click the Save button.
4. Navigate to the folder in which you want to save the file.
5. If you want to rename the file, In the File name: box, type the new name.
6. Click the Save button.

Note: You cannot open an attachment unless you have a program that can open it. For example, if an attachment is a Microsoft PowerPoint file, you must have PowerPoint software installed on your computer to open and view the file.