Beginners SIG Series – E-Mail Techniques

Customizing Your Outlook Express

Tools, Options  - Configurations to consider for YOUR  OE

Tabs. Any items not mentioned are your choice.  Items mentioned below are recommended to be checked for efficient operation of OE  or unchecked if indicated.   (check to enable or uncheck to disable the option)

If there is a Question Mark in the upper right hand corner, it may be used to give an explanation of most features you which may not be clear to you.  Left click the ? icon.  Then left click on the option for which you want information.  A big black question mark will be dragged along with your cursor

Spelling –

• Always check spelling before sending
• Suggest replacements for misspelled words

Security –

• Internet Zone ( Less Secure) – Only if your antivirus program scans incoming mail
• Warn me when other applications try to send mail as me
• Do not allow attachements to be saved that are potentially a virus – may prevent some attachments from getting through if checked

Connection – for switching dial up settings or for hanging up your phone after Send/Receive

Maintenance – Optional

• Empty messages from the Deleted Items folder on exit

Receipts – 

• Requesting a reply from recipient when message has been read
• Handling receipt requests from sender

Read -

• Read all messages in plain text if you have no virus protection.  You will not receive any pictures or inserts

General –

• When Starting, go directly to my Inbox folder
• Send and Receive messages at Startup  (if unchecked, you must click Send/Receive to get your mail (See second option under Tools, Options, Send)

Send –

• Save a copy of sent messages in the Sent Items folder
• Send messages immediately

Uncheck this box to accumulate messages in Outbox until you click Send/Receive

• Automatically complete e-mail addresses when composing
• Include Message in Reply
• Reply to messages using the format in which they were sent
• Mail Sending Format – Select HTML
• HTML Settings – Send Pictures with messages

Compose -

• Set Mail Font Settings to desired font and size – will appear on all messages
• Set a stationery if desired – it will appear on all  new messages

Signatures –

• Add Signature to all outgoing messages (i.e. add your e-mail address to each message)
• Don’t add signatures to Replies and Forwards
• Create Signature by clicking New and typing  text
• Default  signature will appear in each new message (unless first option above is unchecked)