Corrupted Attachments

With Vista, Often, If not usually, cannot read or download attachments from
e-mail. Was not a problem with older computer running XP. When occurred, I
would go to my old computer and read. Old computer down now.

Reads out as corrupted, Why? Even some files, usually MicroSoft Word from
old computer will not open on this Vista computer. Same box telling me may be
corrupted. and won't open, even though it is already downloaded to new
computer.

Any help appreciated John