Build A Cool Spam Filter Using Outlook Express

This spam filter will take most of your junk emails, move it to a specified email folder (ie. Spam Inbox) or directly to the Trash Bin. You can also specify certain key words for the spam filter to process, and also block email addresses.

Step-by-step Instructions

  1. In Outlook Express, go to TOOLS, MESSAGE RULES, and MAIL.
  2. Under the MAIL RULES tab, click NEW.
  3. In box #1, select the Condition - "Where the message body contains specific words".
  4. In box #2, select the Action - "Move it to the specified folder".
  5. In box #3 Rule Description, click on "contains specified words" and enter such as the following: (for each word or phrase, click ADD)

    mailinglist mailing list
    sex nude
    nudity porn
    no obligation this is not spam
    mail ing list remo ve in the subject line
    remove in the subject line all rights reserved
    limited time offer write in subject line
    any future mailing not mlm
    mlm web cam
    webcam get a free
    life insurance removed from future mailing
    if you wish to be removed remove yourself
    remove me click here
    reply with stop future mailing
    to be removed write remove in the subject line
    webcam reply to this message
    follow the link very low-cost
    be a millionaire please read the following
    click this link affiliate program
    referring url offer only available
    trial offer sign up today
    REMOVE in the subject line unsubscribe in the subject line
    [add offensive words] [add sexually explicit words]

  6. Click OK when finished.
  7. In box #3 Rule Description, click on "specified folder".
    8. Choose either option 1 or option 2:
    • Option 1: Choose the "Deleted Items" folder (if you want spam to go directly to trash).
    • Option 2: Create a "New Folder" (call it something like "Spam Folder", and click OK).
  8. Click OK.
  9. In box #4 Name of the rule, enter a name for the filter (ie. Spam Discard)
  10. Click OK.
  11. You can add as many types of filters as you want. Click OK to finish.
Important: For the first few times, check the results of the filter by going into the "Deleted Items" folder or wherever your "Spam Folder" is located. See the instructions below on Modify The Filter if you need to make changes.

Modify the Filter

  1. In Outlook Express, go to TOOLS, MESSAGE RULES, and MAIL.
  2. Highlight the Filter you wish to edit, and select MODIFY. (or double click the Filter)
  3. Edit the words and phrases, by clicking the underlined words in #3 Rule Description.
  4. To remove a word or phrase, simply highlight it and click REMOVE.
  5. To add a word or phrase, simply type it in and click ADD.
  6. Click OK to finish.
  7. If you need to edit the other fields, do so now. Click OK when finished.
  8. Repeat steps 1 to 6, for every Filter you wish to edit. Click OK to close Message Rules window.

Blocking Email Addresses and Domain Names

  1. In Outlook Express, go to TOOLS, MESSAGE RULES, and MAIL.
  2. Under the BLOCKED SENDERS tab, click ADD.
  3. Enter the email address or domain name you wish to block, and click OK.
  4. To remove an email address, simply highlight and click REMOVE.
  5. To modify an existing blocked email address, simply highlight and click MODIFY.
  6. Click OK to finish.

Disclaimer: The Internet Centre will not be held responsible for the use of the spam filter. Use at your own risk.