How To Create An Auto-Reply E-Mail In Entourage

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: Tools and Rules

Once you've opened Entourage, move the cursor to the top of the screen. In the middle, you'll see the word "Tools". Click on that. When the menu drops down, click on "Rules". A box will open up.

Step 3: Choose Your E-mail Account

On the box, you'll see a row of options, Mail (POP), Mail (IMAP) and so on. Select the one you use; in this case, we'll use Mail (POP). Then move your cursor up a bit and click on "New".

Step 4: New Rule

This new "Rule" will help you let everyone know that you can't talk to them for a while.

Name your rule something like "'Out On Vacation' Autoreply".

Step 5: "If" and "Then"

Beneath the name of your new rule, you will see "If". Under the If category, you'll see "All messages". Leave that as it is.

Under "Then" you'll see "Change Status". Click on that. Select "Reply".

Step 6: Say Goodbye

Next to "Reply", you'll see "Reply Text". When you click on that, it will give you the option of what to say.

According to Tim Burress, co-author of "The Hamster Revolution", leaving it short and sweet is best. Tell them when you'll be back. You can tell them whom they should speak to if they have an urgent message. It's up to you if you want to leave them your contact info.

Step 7: Vacation

When you get back, disable that auto-reply. Unless you don't want to be found…