Requirements for Viewing Script Stationery

In order to properly view some of the more complicated script stationery in Outlook Express, your system itself must be made ready with the necessary tools and security settings. Let's take the items one by one which should be addressed.


To see all stationery at its very best, be sure to get the latest Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. The link is available on the Letterman Links page. What you will get with the new versions is the latest scripting engine too, which is required to view the latest scripts.


The DXTMETA2.DLL file is required to run the MetaCreations DX Transforms.

Proceed to the MetaCreations page for the instructions and download.


Flash is used a lot in stationery in the newsgroups. It is also very popular on the web. You can get the latest Flash player here at MacroMedia.

MacroMedia Flash Player


The following setting must be made to allow you to see the popup window which has become so popular since Internet Explorer 5.5. It also effects other security issues. The setting applies to IE6/OE6 users as well.

Start Outlook Express and click on TOOLS|OPTIONS|SECURITY. Make sure the Internet Zone option is indicated.

Also remove the check, if any, from the "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus". Although not strictly a requirement for viewing stationery, this change will enable you to receive and save scripting or executable attachments in e-mail.




The following setting must be made to allow you to view many scripts and ActiveX controls.

Start Internet Explorer and click on TOOLS|INTERNET OPTIONS|SECURITY. Make sure the Internet Zone security is set to Default Level (Default Level button should be grayed-out). If not click the Default Level button.




If you are running Windows 95 or 98, stay away from the DirectX 8 and 8a upgrades. Microsoft has released the DirextX 8 update for download, but many people have experienced problems with the loss of the standard IE and other filters after updating. Seems that the update sometimes unregisters or otherwise corrupts the filter set. This appears to happen only to Windows 98 and 95 users. The fix found elsewhere on this site will work in many but not all cases. Many people have had to reload their operating system to correct the problem. DirectX upgrades cannot be uninstalled. Be warned!

You can check your DirectX version by clicking on START|RUN and type:

     DXDIAG

into the box. Click OK. At the bottom-center of the window that appears will be your DirectX version. Version 7a will do virtually everything you need for stationery.


to make your Outlook Express settings so you can start using, sending, and saving this great stationery!