Hello, I am unable to successfully attach Word documents to my original emails. I follow the simple steps from the "Help" menu and have double-checked the process with manuals, etc. The recipients state that it appears no file has been attached--UNLESS I attach it after clicking "Reply" to someone's email, in which case the file always attaches successfully. I do nothing differently in the latter case. Can someone please help me understand what I need to do in order to successfully attach a Word document to an original email? Or does this sound like a "bug"? The software is an upgrade to a Microsoft Office Small Business Version packaged w/ a Dell computer which I purchased about 5 years ago. Thanks! JoyT

outlook doesn't usually keep attachments in a "reply" unless as you said, you attach them during the reply edit just before hitting send. it does however keep them in a "forward". I can only assume someone made a command decision not to include attachments in replys because the sender probably already has that attachment. This would cut down on email storage and network traffic.

Thanks for your response. Just to clarity, here's what's happening: I send an email and attach a Word document by clicking File/Insert/file name/Insert. I see the "Word" icon just beneath the text I've typed. I send the email. The recipient sees no attachment. I click "Reply" and again click File/Insert/file name/Insert and see a solid line underneath the text of both emails along with the "Word" icon just below the line. I send the email again. This time the recipient sees and is able to open the attached file. This happens every time, with every recipient. I can't figure out why the files aren't attaching to my original emails, but do attach once I click "Reply". Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! JoyT

Try this, create a new email with a little text and an attachment, then save it in say, the drafts folder or maybe MyDocuments. go to that saved email message, right click on it and view the properties. if the message is only a few KB then you know the attachment wasn't saved with it. if it is saved then maybe there is simething with the mailserver that's blocking it. Also what about other types of attachments? (pix, something.xls etc)