Red X Appears Instead of Image?

"When I send emails with embedded images to folks that are using "Outlook" and when they send images to me frequently the image does not appear, but a litle red X shows up. Can you tell me please how to correct this?" And yes, another case of software saving us from ourselves...

There are a bunch of reasons why you might see the dreaded "Red X" instead of an image while viewing an email with Outlook or Outlook Express.

  • The image is hosted on a website that's busy, temporarily offline or defunct. Or the image file on the website might have been renamed or deleted. Solution: Try again later or ask the sender to send it as an attachment instead of an inline image.

  • The image is hosted on a website, and you're not online. Solution: Make sure your internet connection is active and try again.

  • Your Internet Explorer security settings are set too high, preventing you from accessing the web site which hosts the image.
    • Solution: Reset to the default security settings. In Internet Explorer, click on Tools -> Internet Options -> Security -> Default Level.

  • You've installed the Windows XP/SP2 updates and you're being bitten by the new "Block images and other external content in HTML e-mail" security option. This is automatically turned ON in Outlook Express after you install Windows XP/SP2. Solution: Click on Tools -> Options -> Security. Then UNCHECK the "Block images and other external content" check box, and click OK.

  • If you are the SENDER, click Tools -> Options -> Send. Under Mail Sending Format, select HTML, then press the HTML Settings button. Make sure the "Send pictures with messages" box is checked.

    • BOB RANKIN... is a tech writer and computer programmer who enjoys exploring the Internet and sharing the fruit of his experience with others. His work has appeared in ComputerWorld, NetGuide, and NY Newsday. Bob is publisher of the Internet TOURBUS newsletter, author of several computer books, and creator of the http://LowfatLinux.com website. Visit Bob Rankin's website for more helpful articles and free tech support.