Why attached email Word/Excel files sometimes arrive as .dat files

[Desert Bob]

Sometimes when I attach Word or Excel files to an email message they arrive
with the email as meaningless .dat files. I noticed that sometimes the names
of these Word or Excel files are placed on the body of the email itself and
not in the attachment bar at the top of the email. I am using WIndows XP and
Office 2003. Is this a sender or a reciever issue? Any thoughts?

 

[neo [mvp outlook]]

Sender issue...

Hint: Message format and/or use of Microsoft Word as the editor

Rich Text -> Attachments show up in body

Plain Text/HTML -> Attachments show up in attachment bar

Stick to Plain Text/HTML. If the winmail.dat files continue to happen, turn
off Microsoft Word 2003 as the email editor. If still happens, check the
contact record of the person you are sending to and make sure it isn't
marked to always received Microsoft Outlook Rich Text (open contact record
and then double click on email address)