Whenever i get a email with an attachment bigger than 2MB outlook takes ages to process the message

Is there any tips on how to make this less of a bore?

TIA

I had this happen as well before I changed to thunderbird. I think it might be a combination of outlook and some antivirus programs.

I've used Outlook for a long time and never had this problem, but I know others who have. I currently use Outlook 2007.

Be sure your outlook.pst file (i.e, Inbox and subfolders you may have created to store/save emails) ain't too large due to too many emails and large attachments. Once you start approaching a PST file of around 2 GB, Outlook can start slowing down significantly, locking up, etc. At this point you need to start archiving/deleting/compacting/cleaning up your emails. Use the Data File Managment, Archive, and Compact function of Outlook to keep your inbox in shape.

Edited December 8, 200916 yr by Pib

I've used Outlook for a long time and never had this problem, but I know others who have. I currently use Outlook 2007.

Be sure your outlook.pst file (i.e, Inbox and subfolders you may have created to store/save emails) ain't too large due to too many emails and large attachments. Once you start approaching a PST file of around 2 GB, Outlook can start slowing down significantly, locking up, etc. At this point you need to start archiving/deleting/compacting/cleaning up your emails. Use the Data File Managment, Archive, and Compact function of Outlook to keep your inbox in shape.

I have been using outlook for 6 year + and i do not have any problems. I am also using Outlook 2007. My data file is over 9GB and it does not slow it down. what might slow you down is if you have it, the anti-virus protection. I am for the moment using Microsoft Security Essential and it works like a treat. And it is free. 

Outlook 2007 can go up to a single pst file size of 20GB; but earlier versions of Outlook are limited to 2GB. And when using Outlook 2003 I had stability problems in Outlook once the PST file got around 1.5GB...at that point I had to archive some emails to separate pst files which made Outlook stable again.

The OP didn't mention what version of Outlook he/she was using; then again, the problem may not even be caused by Outlook as computers hardware/software can sure caused misplaced blame (and high blood pressur, grey hairs, etc) Over the years I've even had a few causes where reloading Outlook (without loosing any Outlook settings/emails/addresses) made Outlook a happy camper again.

http://email.about.com/od/outlook/f/pst_size_limit.htm