Red X's in Email

When pictures in your email won't download, even though you have Outlook configured to download external content (or allow it on a per-message basis), the problem is usually a "full" temporary file folder.

Note: If you do not see a red x but have a blank box shaped/sized like the graphic or photo, you have Show picture placeholders enabled.

You need to locate the SecureTemp folder and delete the contents (or the entire folder) then restart Outlook. The images should display correctly once you do this.

The SecureTemp folder for Outlook 2000 to 2003 installed on Windows XP is at
C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK*. The OLK directory will end in a series of numbers.

Outlook 2007 places the Secturetemp folder at
C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\8A0VMD3A, where 8A0VMD3A can be any random characters.

Vista moves the Temp Internet folder to
C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\, so you'll need to look there for the OLK or Content.Outlook folder.

See Outlook SecureTemp Files Folder to learn how it works.

The tools listed on this page make it easier to delete the orphaned attachments.

Tools

Show Picture Placeholders is enabled

If you do not see a red x but have a blank box shaped/sized like the graphic or photo, you have Show picture placeholders enabled. (A great feature if your Internet connection is slow.) 

In Outlook 2007, from an open message, click the Office icon then Editor options button. Select Advanced from the left menu and scroll down to Display email contents section (near the bottom). Uncheck the box to Show picture placeholders. Then click OK to apply and close.

In older versions, this is an Internet Options setting, accessible from either IE's Tools menu or Control Panel. In the Internet Options dialog, go to the Advanced tab. The Show pictures option is in the Multimedia group, about halfway down.  

More Information