Tell HN: Gmail wont allow to download an old zip with _my_ code

7 points by eridal ↗ HN
Today I was talking about some old code that I wrote like about 8 years ago, and I mentioned that I still keep a copy of all of it.

Then when looking for the zip file that I've sent to myself about 8 years ago .. I've found that Google refuses to give me _my_ code because:

    For security reasons, Gmail does not allow you to use this type of file as it violates Google policy for executables and archives.
Seems like I can still forward the attachment; or at least it's displayed like it will be.

Lesson learn: Nothing that sits on your gmail is yours. Backup now!

3 comments

[ 3.5 ms ] story [ 15.9 ms ] thread
I was just able to download a zip attachment sent to me in 2007. It could have something to do with executables inside the zip file in your case.
Why not hook up thunderbird via IMAP and see if you can get it that way.
I create this HN account to help someone with this exact same issue.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8701003

tl;dr: 1) create a label; 2) add the message to that label; 3) Go to google.com/settings/takeout and export the single label from gmail.

Good luck!