"When I can't read an attachment written in a Windows code, even though I run Windows almost exclusively, there is a real problem. When someone sends me a file with an .xls extention, Outlook Explorer converts the file when I save it to an .eml extention file and NOTHING that I have loaded into my laptop will
read it."

.xls is a standard extension for Excel spreadsheets. Nothing in the purchase of the Windows operating system entitles you to a free copy of Excel. Microsoft includes a free viewer with Excel specifically so a person can distribute a spreadsheet to a person without Excel, and make it possible for that person to view it. The Excel Viewer license agreement reads, in part,

"You may install and use an unlimited number of copies of the MICROSOFT EXCEL VIEWER.

You may reproduce and distribute an unlimited number of copies of the MICROSOFT EXCEL VIEWER; provided that each copy shall be a true and complete copy, including all copyright and trademark notices, and shall be accompanied by a copy of this EULA. Copies of the MICROSOFT EXCEL VIEWER may be distributed as a standalone product or included with your own product."

I'd be happy to email you a (very legal) copy. There are also many other third party products available that are designed to view a multitude of the filetypes out there. One would be very handy to have. I have many applications on my computer that create files you cannot open.

.eml sounds like an email message extension, but I am not sure. I know there is a difference between the actual email message and the attachment it contains. Click on the attachment, right click, then click save. See if that helps. If you are not winding up with a file with a .xls extension, you are not doing it right. Because I have Excel, I don't know what Windows will do with a real spreadsheet on a computer that does not.

"Shareware is becoming exclusive to those that can read it. THAT SUCKS! Windows is becoming exclusive to people that BUY EVERY new upgrade to their software. THAT SUCKS TOO!

......this isn't totally a matter of pirating software. ...it's actually more a matter of people getting fed up with having to pay for more stuff just to look at more stuff that they should be able to see in the first place!!!"

I don't understand the reference to shareware. I can only say that simply because Windows and Excel are both made by Microsoft, buying Windows should in no way entitle you to free copies of every other product Microsoft sells. It would be nice if windows had viewers built in at least for their own products. Bear in mind, though, there are other people who complain that the more Windows does, the more it steals markets from other software producers.

Please, Bob, do not tell me you think Microsoft's failure to include an Excel viewer in Windows, or your inability to save an attachment in it's native format, somehow justifies copying Wilson Software's programs.