Block Spam in Outlook Express Using Message Rules

In Microsoft Outlook Express message rules are normally used for organizing incoming messages by placing them into different folders based on various message criteria like message sender, keywords etc.

For example, a message rule could be created such that, all messages with the word "sales" in the subject line could be placed directly into a sales folder on arrival.

Message rules can also be used to build powerful spam filters that can used to block spam.

 Configuring  White Lists in Outlook Express

 A white list is a lit of contacts from who you wish to receive messages. To create a white list for Outlook Express you create a rule that stops all further rule processing for the people on your white list. This means that any filtering rules that you implement later will not be processed for the people on your white list.

The white list rule should be placed at the top of the rule list. The steps are as follows:

 1.     Add the addresses of the people you want to receive mail from to your address book.

2.     Open the rules window by selecting Tools->Message Rules->Mail...

3.     Click on the New button at the upper right.

4.     In the uppermost pane (pane 1), put a checkmark in the box Where the From line contains people.

5.     Click on people in the bottom pane.

6.     Add all the people you want, and then click OK.

7.     In the middle pane (pane 2), check the box labelled Stop processing more rules.

8.     Click on OK buttons until the windows are closed.

Using a Word Filter to Block Messages based on Content

You can configure a word filter to check for particular words and phrases in both the subject line and message body. Be very careful when deciding on what to filter as you could easily block legitimate mail.

Here we will create a simple filter to block messages that contain the dollars "$$$" as you often find it get rich quick emails.

1: Click on Tools, then highlight Message Rules and select Mail...

2: On the right side, click the New button.

 3: In Part 1, select the checkbox for where the subject line contains
specific words, and then click the link for contains specific words in
Part 3 (Rule Description)

4: Enter "$$$" in the window asking Type specific words or a
phrase, and then click Add. Then click OK

5: In Part 2, select the checkbox for move it to the specified folder, and then click the link for specified (shown highlighted) in Part 3.

6: If you do not already have a folder defined where you wish to place
e-mail that has been identified as spam, click New Folder to create a new folder. Under Folder Name, type in SPAM, and click OK

7: Click once on the SPAM folder you just created to highlight it, and then click OK. In Part 4, change the name of the rule to spam Filter

8: Verify that all settings are correct and the rule is checked then click OK at the bottom.

You have now setup a filter in Outlook Express 6.0 that should move any e-mail with "$$$" in the subject line to a folder called SPAM.
You should now review the contents of this folder to make sure everything has been configured correctly.

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