View images that Windows Mail blocked

Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
Which edition of Windows Vista am I using?

Windows Mail prevents pictures and other Internet content from automatically downloading to your computer, which enables you to:

•	Avoid viewing potentially offensive material.
•	Reduce the amount of junk e‑mail you receive.
•	Decide which pictures are worth taking the time to download if you have a dial-up connection.

When an e‑mail message contains a blocked picture or other content, a red "X" will appear in place of the blocked content.

Picture of the Windows Mail Information bar
The Information bar indicates when images have been blocked

Make sure the message is from a trusted sender before you decide to download the pictures.

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1.	Open Windows Mail by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, and then clicking Windows Mail.
2.	Double-click a message that contains blocked images to open it.
3.	Click the Information bar at the top of the message to download and display the pictures in the current message.

Though it's not recommended, you can also choose to automatically download all e‑mail images so that pictures are always displayed.

1.	Open Windows Mail by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, and then clicking Windows Mail.
2.	Click the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Security tab.
3.	Clear the Block images and other external content in HTML e‑mail check box, and then click OK.

When you forward or reply to a message that contains blocked images, the images will be downloaded and included in the reply or forwarded message.
If you view an image in a junk e‑mail message, it might notify the sender's web server that you have read or previewed the message. This validates your e‑mail address and often results in more junk e‑mail.