In Microsoft Outlook 2003 and 2007, how do I set up rules to handle incoming mail?

You can use Outlook Inbox rules to forward, filter, or move incoming mail. To set up a rule in Outlook 2003 or 2007 to automate the handling of mail, follow these steps:

1. In the Navigation Pane, click Mail.
   
   
2. From the Tools menu, select Rules and Alerts... .
   
   
3. If you have more than one email account, in the "Apply changes to this folder" list, click the Inbox you want.
   
   
4. Click New Rule.
   
   
5. To use a template with pre-specified actions and conditions, select the template you want.

   To create the rule by specifying your own conditions, actions, and exceptions, follow the appropriate steps below:

   • In Outlook 2007, under "Start from a blank rule", select Check messages when they arrive or Check messages after sending. Click Next.
     
     
   • In Outlook 2003, follow these steps:
     
     
     1. From a blank rule, click Start, and then click Next.
     2. Under "Select when messages should be checked", select Check messages when they arrive or Check messages after sending. Click Next.

   Note: This option is not available when you create a rule for a public folder.

6. Follow the rest of the instructions in the Rules Wizard.
   
   
7. If you want to run this rule on messages already in one of your folders, select the Run this rule now on messages already in "folder" checkbox on the last page of the Rules Wizard.

   To have this rule apply to all your email accounts and Inboxes, select the Create this rule on all accounts checkbox on the last page of the Rules Wizard.

This information comes from the Microsoft Outlook help file "Create a rule".

Also see:

• In Microsoft Outlook, how do I customize the way my mail is presented to me?
• In Microsoft Outlook, how do I set up the Out of Office Assistant (vacation mail)?
• Using Outlook 2003 and 2007, how can I control junk email?