How to send 38 file types is prohibited from Outlook

Previously, Microsoft restricted certain files from being sent via Outlook due to security concerns. There are specific types of files that people don't usually send via email, but bad guys use them to infect the victims with viruses. Therefore, Microsoft came up with the idea of ​​blocking these types of files, because it negatively affects a small group of users but has a positive effect on others.

Recently, Microsoft added 38 file extensions to the blacklist. This means that if you try to send email with these files attached, Microsoft will prevent that. Therefore, it is best to take the time to learn about these issues, as they can affect your workflow.

What files are blocked?

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According to the announcement of this change, Microsoft has listed the file extensions currently blocked, including:

1. Files related to the Python programming language ('.py,' '.pyc,' '.pyo,' '.pyw,' '.pyz' and '.pyzw')
2. Files related to the PowerShell programming language ('.ps1,' '.ps1xml,' '.ps2,' '.ps2xml,' '.psc1,' '.psc2,' '.psd1,' '.psdm1,' '' .cdxml 'and' .pssc ')
3. Java files ('.jar' and '.jnlp')
4. Digital certificate files ('.cer,' '.crt' '.der')
5. Windows ClickOnce files ('.appref-ms')
6. Microsoft Data Access Components - MDAC ('.udl')
7. Windows Sandbox files ('.wsb')
8. Files used by different applications, as stated by Microsoft ('.appcontent-ms,' '.settingcontent-ms,' '.cnt,' '.hpj,' '.website,' '.webpnp, '' .mcf, '' .printerexport, '' .pl, '' .theme, '' .vbp, '' .xbap, '' .xll, '' .xnk, '' .msu, '' .diagcab ' and '.grp')

As you can see, these are files that are rarely sent, unless you have colleagues or experts in a particular field. Some people who do not use Python, PowerShell or Java may never receive emails with an attachment like this and there are many other ways to send scripts instead of email.

Of course, these types of files are additions to the existing lists, so there are many more files you need to be careful about. To see the full list, be sure to read the page about all types of Microsoft blocked files at:

 https://support.office.com/en-us/article/blocked-attachments-in-outlook-434752e1-02d3-4e90-9124-8b81e49a8519 

How to send blocked files?

Fortunately, although Microsoft has banned these file types, they quickly listed how to send email containing these files to users.

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Use cloud storage

You can upload files to a cloud-based service and send a link to the contact. Microsoft offers a service called its OneDrive, but there's nothing stopping you from using another service like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Compress the file

You can also place the file in a zipped folder and send it to the contact that way. Because the file type will be named after the compression tool you used (such as '.zip'), it won't be banned by Outlook.

Rename the file

Finally, Microsoft recommends that you rename the file extension to something else, and then notify the recipient to convert it again. For example, if you want to send a ".jar" file, you can delete this file type, replace it with the '.txt' extension and send it. The recipient can then change back to '.jar'.

Microsoft has taken action to ban files used to distribute malware, which it hopes will not affect the majority of users' use of Outlook. However, if you are affected, there are many ways to fix it.

Do you think this is necessary to protect people? Please share your opinion in the comment section below!