OE removed access to unsafe attach

Error msg "OE removed access to the following unsafe attachment ". I've read the other posts & know now that I'm supposed to go to Tools, Options, Security and Uncheck the box beside "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus ". I know this fixes the problem of being able to read the attachments, but I want to know what problems could occur in future by unchecking this box. Does that mean I'll be leaving myself open to getting infected attachments that my antivirus software may not catch? Is the default setting checked or unchecked?

 

Yes, it means you'll be leaving yourself open to getting infected attachments that your antivirus software may not catch but only if you open them.

The default setting is checked. Microsoft knows the only way to get a virus infecting your computer is to open a virus-packing attachment so they just fixed it so you can't open them. A simple, one-size-fits-all solution that, of course, doesn't fit all.