04:11
Faizan
The Internet is constantly changing and evolving. New technologies and new programs allow you to integrate different kinds of projects online and to operate in virtual offices. But sharing or sending files online has many variables. When you send or receive a file in a certain format, such as Microsoft Word's .doc format, you have to make sure a few things are in order.
Check for Microsoft Word
This might sound simple, but you have to make sure you have the correct programs to process .doc files. Your computer needs Microsoft Word if you plan to have any success opening .doc files, which --- though common --- depend on Word.
Email Programs
Some email accounts aren't accessed through a Web page and rely on an email program, such as Outlook or Windows Live Mail, to display messages and process files. These programs handle email attachments differently than Web-based email like Hotmail or Gmail. The email software works as an extension of your operating system. When you click on a file as an attachment, Windows looks for its associated program, just like you were clicking on a file on your desktop. If the file isn't opening, the problem isn't with your email program but with the file associations or with the file itself. Check your associations by locating a Word file outside of your email program and right-clicking on it. Choose "Open With" and then Microsoft Word.
Web-based Email: Blocked Attachments
Unlike an email program, Web-based email is just a website that reads your email. When you receive a file attachment in Hotmail, Yahoo! or Gmail, your Web browser --- Internet Explorer, Firefox or Google Chome --- reads the Word file like any other kind of file. It asks you to choose a place to download the file and then you can open it in Word. Some Web-based email programs block attachments from unknown senders. Look for a "Show Attachments" link in your email, then try downloading the file.
Web-based Email: File Viewers
Some Web-based email, like Hotmail and Gmail, have built-in file readers for common file types, such as Word files. Instead of trying to download the file, look for a "View" option in your email. The functions and capabilities of these built-in viewers differ from platform to platform. For example, Gmail integrates with Google Documents to let you edit and save files, whereas Hotmail lets you view Word files but not edit them.
Check for Microsoft Word
This might sound simple, but you have to make sure you have the correct programs to process .doc files. Your computer needs Microsoft Word if you plan to have any success opening .doc files, which --- though common --- depend on Word.
Email Programs
Some email accounts aren't accessed through a Web page and rely on an email program, such as Outlook or Windows Live Mail, to display messages and process files. These programs handle email attachments differently than Web-based email like Hotmail or Gmail. The email software works as an extension of your operating system. When you click on a file as an attachment, Windows looks for its associated program, just like you were clicking on a file on your desktop. If the file isn't opening, the problem isn't with your email program but with the file associations or with the file itself. Check your associations by locating a Word file outside of your email program and right-clicking on it. Choose "Open With" and then Microsoft Word.
Web-based Email: Blocked AttachmentsUnlike an email program, Web-based email is just a website that reads your email. When you receive a file attachment in Hotmail, Yahoo! or Gmail, your Web browser --- Internet Explorer, Firefox or Google Chome --- reads the Word file like any other kind of file. It asks you to choose a place to download the file and then you can open it in Word. Some Web-based email programs block attachments from unknown senders. Look for a "Show Attachments" link in your email, then try downloading the file.
Web-based Email: File Viewers
Some Web-based email, like Hotmail and Gmail, have built-in file readers for common file types, such as Word files. Instead of trying to download the file, look for a "View" option in your email. The functions and capabilities of these built-in viewers differ from platform to platform. For example, Gmail integrates with Google Documents to let you edit and save files, whereas Hotmail lets you view Word files but not edit them.
