apparently, a co-worker tried to open a .gif file that was attached to an e-mail...stuck at 1% trying to open!

I tried fixing it the "iPod" way...turn it off, then turn it on again...this gets out of the "verifying document" screen and to the main menu, but when you go into messages...BAM...back to "verifying document"! ICK!

how can I bypass this so that I can just delete the message?

You could try deleting off of the server. It will remove it off the BB.

OK...how to?!?

Do you use BES or BWC

I'm almost positive I'm using BES...I will verify real quick, but let's just say...yes, for now.

Let's put it this way...the handheld is NOT set up to sync with any email server or other software/network, emails are forwarded via mailbox forwarding at our ISP's webmail...is this making sense?

Sort of... You might need to preform a selective back up and then restore. If you are automatically being set to the attachment download upon entering messages, then that may be your only option. You could try and send yourself another message to see if that keeps you from jumping to that message.

Yes...I know the user has been receiving emails since "locked up" and I also know he tried to open the attachment in error; that is, it wasn't set up to open it automatically.

Then try a selective back up and restore. You will lose email messages, but it is better than anything

Maybe a reboot (ALT+CAP+DEL) would do it

That will need to be done twice - or total battery removal and reinsert.

Don't worry, removing the battery will NOT delete emails on a BlackBerry -- BlackBerry stores everything in flash memory!

Try deleting the individual message without opening it.

The reboot was an early attempt at success...

Removing the battery...THIS WORKED///

mega THANKS to everyone who helped with this! I feel like I just fixed an iPod!!