ARCHIVED: In Microsoft Outlook, how can I confirm delivery of messages I send?

Usually, if an email message you send is not delivered to the specified recipient(s), you will receive an error message from your email client, or a non-delivery receipt message from one of the email system hosts explaining that the delivery failed and why it happened. However, you likely will receive such a message only if a known problem occurs during the mail delivery process.

To confirm delivery of messages, Microsoft Outlook offers an option to require delivery receipt. You can enable this option for an individual message, or for all messages that you send. The delivery receipt will appear in your Inbox as an email message. However, the recipient of your message can choose not to have a receipt sent to you.

Outlook 2010

To request a delivery receipt for all messages:

1. From the File tab, select Options.
2. In the left-hand column, select Mail. In the right portion of the window, scroll down to the "Tracking" section.
3. Under "For all messages sent, request:", check Delivery receipt confirming the message was delivered to the recipient's e-mail server.

To request a delivery receipt for a single message:

1. While you are composing a new message, replying to a message, or forwarding a message, click the Options tab.
2. In the "Tracking" section, click "Request a Delivery Receipt".
3. Send your message when ready.

Outlook 2007, 2003, or 2002

To request a delivery receipt for all messages:

1. From the Tools menu, select Options....
2. Under the Preferences tab, click Email Options.... Under "Message handling", click Tracking Options....
3. Under "For all messages I send, request:", check delivery receipt.

Using Outlook 2007, to request a delivery receipt for a single message:

1. While you are composing a new message, replying to a message, or forwarding a message, from the Ribbon, click the little arrow in the bottom right-hand corner of the Options section.
2. Under "Voting and Tracking options", check Request a delivery receipt for this message. Click Close.
3. Send your message when ready.

Using Outlook 2003, to request a delivery receipt for just one message:

1. While you are composing a new message, replying to a message, or forwarding a message, from the View menu, select Options.
2. Check Request a delivery receipt for this message. Click Close.
3. Send your message when ready.