6:39 PM October 16, 2006

Hotmail attachments vs Google WebAccerlerator

Recently got a call from a guy who couldn't download his attachments through his Hotmail account.

Here is how it works:

You try to download an attachment in Hotmail, It first runs a virus scan, and you get a message telling you there is no virus in the attachment, if a virus is found, of course the attachment will be deleted automatically, but if no virus is found you should be able to download it.

When you click on the download button, It opens up a new window asking you for your password again. You put in your password and instead of downloading your attachment it goes right back to your mailbox.

And if you try it again, it keeps doing it over and over, there doesn't seem to be any way to get pass it.

I went online to find a solution. The first solution recommended me to open Internet Explorer and do the following:

• click on the Tool menu then Options
• on the General tab click on Delete cookies
• on the Security tab click on Default level
• on the Privacy tab click on Default
• on the Advanced tab click on Restore defaults
• Click OK and then restart Internet Explorer

It didn't work...

The second issue involved a program called Google WebAccelerator - http://webaccelerator.google.com/ I found some references to it but couldn't find any conclusive evidence, so I decided to disabled it on this guy's computer and sure enough, the attachments can now be viewed.

Warning note: Google WebAccelerator keeps track of a lot of data on what links and sites you are visiting, read this first http://webaccelerator.google.com/support.html#basics5

I don't use this product. My experience in the past with 'accelerators' and 'speed-up-programs' has left a sour taste in my mouth. Some people swear by these products, I swear at them. Don't be afraid to experiment yourself.

NOTE: Since I originally wrote this, Google has discontinued its WebAccelerator.