ARCHIVED: In Microsoft Outlook, how can I recall, replace, or resend a message?

If you accidentally send an incorrect message, the simplest solution may be to send a second, revised version. In some circumstances, you may also be able to recall the message, or replace it entirely. This will work only if:

• The recipients use your Exchange server as their email address, and have not forwarded their Exchange email to another account.
• The recipients are currently logged into their Exchange accounts and using Outlook.
• The message is still unread and remains in the recipients' Inboxes.

Note: When you recall a message, the recipient will receive notification that you are recalling a message.

Under the conditions listed above, to recall, replace, or resend a message:

Find and open your sent message

1. If you don't already use the Folder List view (the Navigation Pane and default view in Outlook 2010, 2007 and 2003), in Outlook, from the View menu, click Folder List or Navigation Pane.
2. You will see a Folder List pane or Navigation Pane appear on the left side of your Outlook window. From the list that appears, double-click Sent Items.
3. Double-click your sent message to open it.

Once your message is open, you can choose either to resend it (send out a new version of your message), or to try to recall and replace it entirely.

Send out a new version of your message

1. In Outlook 2010, click the File tab, and in the left-hand column, click Info. Then click Resend or Recall.

   In Outlook 2007, from the Ribbon across the top of the message, click Other Actions.

   In earlier versions, from the toolbar across the top of the message, click the Actions button.

2. From the resulting menu, choose Resend This Message.... A new copy of the message will open.
3. In the new copy of the message, make any necessary changes to the text, and then click Send.

Recall or replace your message entirely

1. In Outlook 2010, click the File tab, and in the left-hand column, click Info. Then click Resend or Recall.

   In Outlook 2007, from the Ribbon across the top of the message, click Other Actions.

   In earlier versions, from the toolbar across the top of the message, click the Actions button.

2. From the resulting menu, choose Recall This Message.... This will open a dialog box.
3. Select the radio button beside either Delete Unread Copies Of This Message or Delete Unread Copies and Replace with a New Message. If you want to be sure that the message is successfully recalled, check the box beside Tell me if Recall Succeeds or Fails for Each Recipient. Click OK.
4. If you chose to replace the message, a new message window will open; type the new text, and then click Send. If you chose to be notified when the message recall succeeds or fails, you will receive the notification in your Inbox.

How to know if your recall succeeded

Whether your recall succeeds or fails depends on the factors listed above and your recipients' Outlook settings. If you choose to receive email notification about whether the recall succeeds or fails, the time it takes to receive the notification will vary. For details and scenarios that explain what happens in various situations, including recall of a message sent to a Microsoft Exchange Server public folder, see the "Will my recall be successful?" section in Microsoft Office Online's How message recall works.