Can a word processing file be attached to an e-mail message?

E-mail messages can include attached files such as word processing documents, spreadsheets, text files, ZIP files, images, executable applications, and other types of computer files. These files exist on the sender's computer network, and included attachments show a paper clip next to the subject.

Some files, such as JPEG images or text files, can be opened on almost any computer system. Microsoft Word documents, for example, must be opened utilizing the same application, which made them. When you get a message containing file attachments, you can double click on the subject in the message header's attachments piece.

A dialog occurs asking whether you want to open or save the file first. However, sometimes it may not come through if the e-mail detects a virus or that the file will damage the user's computer.

Only to certain email addresses. The reason for this is that only certain email processors will allow you to attach a word processing file to the email. Most emails like Outlook, Yahoo mail, Verizon mail, and Gmail will allow you to add word documents to the email, but sometimes, it may not come through if the email detects that it has a virus or that the file will harm the user's computer.

Also, some third party emails do not allow for word processor files to be sent. It is important to ensure the receiver has an email service that will accept the word processing file.

This depends on what email processor you’re using. Microsoft Outlook will certainly allow Microsoft Word, as will Gmail and a few other email providers - such as Verizon and Yahoo. Some kinds of files can have viruses or other things in the files that will harm the computer. As technology has gotten smarter, many of these are detected as you download the attached file, but some can still be missed.

In all, if you know for certain your email provider will allow you to attach a word processor file, then double check to make sure the person you are emailing it to can receive it. Sometimes, you will not be able to retrieve a file if the provider doesn’t allow that kind of file to be attached to emails by its users.