Outlook Express May Be Customized to Your Specifications.

Here’s How, by Barbara Resnick

Beginner’s SIG – April 2006

Customizing your Options – Illustrated with Outlook Express

Previous presentations have discussed Tools, Options when applicable.  The references to Tools, Options have always been in red print in the notes.  The two April sessions will be devoted to a more complete discussion of all the options available in the Tools menu selection.

Tools, Options  - Configurations to consider for YOUR  OE or any e-mail program which may have the capability  of similar settings.

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.   (uncheck item to disable the option)

Spelling –   (Checks here recommended – others Optional)

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

Security –  (Checks here  recommended)

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

Connection –  Hang up after sending or receiving usually recommended to be checked

Maintenance – (Check here Optional)

• Empty messages from the Deleted Items folder on exit

Receipts –

• Request a Read Receipt for all sent messages (Check here Optional)
• Returning Read Receipt requests ( Check one option)

Read – (Check here Optional)

• 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 –  (Checks here recommended unless specified as optional)

• 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 (Optional)
• 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 – (Automatically add personal or business or family member notation to messages)

• 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)

For any questions, contact me at barbres101@cox.net