When AOL users send an Email message with multiple file attachments, the AOL system combines the files into MIME format, to create a single file. To decode these files, you need a MINE decoder, which can be found on AOL or on shareware sites on the Internet.
The last thing we remember to back up is our e-mail. Here's how to avoid that sinking feeling you get when you've just finished putting your hard disk back together and you remember all the e-mail you had that's now gone forever. Open Windows Explorer and go to \Windows\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Mail. In the Mail folder you'll find a group of *.mbx files (if that path doesn't lead to these files, run Find from the Start menu to search for *.mbx files). If you're only interested in what's in the Inbox, copy Inbox.mbx to a floppy disk. If you want to be really safe, copy all the files in the Mail folder to a floppy. You'll probably want to retain your Address Book, too. You'll find that in \Windows\Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book. Copy the file(s) to a floppy.
By default, Microsoft Internet Mail puts the Preview pane at the bottom of the window. When mail appears, the text is displayed in the Preview pane. However, you don't have to accept this default layout--you can set up a different display. For example, if you'd prefer to have the displayed text appear at the right side of the Mail window, choose View|Preview Pane|Split Vertically. If you prefer, you can eliminate the Preview pane entirely and read the mail by double-clicking on the new mail's icon. To do this choose View|Preview Pane|None.
By default, Microsoft Internet Mail puts the Preview pane at the bottom of the window. When mail appears, the text is displayed in the Preview pane. However, you don't have to accept this default layout--you can set up a different display. For example, if you'd prefer to have the displayed text appear at the right side of the Mail window, choose View|Preview Pane|Split Vertically. If you prefer, you can eliminate the Preview pane entirely and read the mail by double-clicking on the new mail's icon. To do this choose View|Preview Pane|None.
To view the complete e-mail address of someone who has sent a News message, double-click on the message to open it. Now go to the author's name in the From field and double-click on it. To add the name to your Address Book, right-click on the author's name and then choose Add To Address Book. When the dialog box opens, fill it in and click on OK.
When you click on the New Message button in Microsoft Internet Mail, the window opens with the cursor placed at the To: entry box. To select an address from the Address book, you can choose File|Address Book. You can also open the Address Book by simply double-clicking on the To: icon.
If you'd like to send messages that contain colored text, you can do it with Internet Mail. The only downside is that only recipients with HTML-enabled mail clients, such as Internet Mail, Netscape, or Eudora, will be able to see your handiwork. Mail clients that cannot read HTML will see a bunch of HTML tags along with your message. If you're sure the person you're sending a message to is using an HTML-enabled mail client, click on New Message and then choose Format|HTML. A formatting toolbar will open, and you can select a font, font size, and color for all the text you enter.
If you use Internet Mail, you can direct it to connect when you click on Send/Receive and then disconnect after the mail is successfully downloaded. To do this, choose Mail|Options and click on the Connection tab. Now select the Disconnect When Finished Sending and Receiving check box and click on OK.
If you'd like to change the sound that notifies you of new mail, click Start|Settings|Control Panel. When Control Panel opens, double-click Sounds. Now locate and select New Mail Notification. Click the down arrow by the Name list box to expand the list. Select the new sound from the list, then click OK to close the dialog box. If you can't find a sound that you like in the list box, click Browse and search for a sound to test. Select your new sound and click OK. When you get back to the Sound dialog box click OK again.