Send and Receive ZIP File Attachments

Many Internet computer viruses are transmitted using ZIP file e-mail attachments. For this reason, the CUA e-mail system blocks delivery of messages containing these and other potentially dangerous attachments.

You can send and receive ZIP file attachments if the file is renamed prior to attaching it. Follow these steps.

1. Make sure Windows is configured to display file name extensions. In My Computer or Windows Explorer, select Tools from the menu and then Folder Options. On the View tab, uncheck the box for "Hide extensions for known file types". Click OK.
   
   
2. Create a ZIP file (for example, project.zip) using the Send to Compressed (zip) Folder option in Windows or your favorite archive program.
   
   
3. Rename the file to add .CUA to the name (e.g., project.zip.cua).
   
   
4. Attach the .ZIP.CUA file to your message as usual, including a note for the recipient in the message body that the attachment will need to be renamed.

When you receive a renamed ZIP file as an attachment, save it to disk. Then rename it back to its original .ZIP name (e.g., from project.zip.cua to project.zip).

Caution!  When you receive any file attachment in e-mail, do not open it unless you were expecting it. Many viruses propogate as e-mail attachments that appear to be from someone that you know. The e-mail message may have an enticing or even business-like Subject and text body. If you were not expecting to receive an attachment, it is safest to just delete the message without opening it.

List of Blocked File Extensions

This table shows the file extensions that the CUA e-mail system blocks.