A computer user asks: Why do I sometimes receive email messages that contain empty boxes with red X's within the message pane rather than pictures?

STI and Cornerstone Publishing answers: Graphics and photos contained within an email message are oftentimes not really "stored" within the email message itself but rather on a remote Web server (computer). If the message you receive is in an HTML format (supposed to have graphics or photos as part of the message) and a little box with a red X shows up instead of the image, there has probably been a broken connection somewhere between the image link within the email message and the remote Web server where the image is actually stored.

Causes for a broken path between a graphic and a Web server can be as simple as a typo by the person who keyed in the Web address of the image's server. When this occurs, the request for the image goes to a server location where no image exists. It is similar to looking for a business at 123 North Main Street when the correct address is 123 South Main Street. The result is the appearance of a little box with a red X within the message pane indicating an error has occurred.

Another possible cause for a broken connection could be due to a power outage somewhere between your computer and the location of the image's Web server. Red X’s can also appear if your mail client is not set to automatically download images. Some mail clients are set that way by default as a security precaution.

Additionally, if you are in the habit of downloading your email messages and then closing your Internet connection to review your messages, the same problem will occur. If images within any of your incoming email messages are stored at a remote server location, your computer will not be able to access them as you are no longer connected to the Internet. Again, a little box with a red X will indicate an error.

Note: Different email clients and Web browsers use different symbols for a broken graphic link. For instance, Apple's Safari Web browser uses a blue box with a question mark symbol.
If you have an Internet-related question, please email us at feedback@sti.net.

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