Microsoft Outlook 2000 Configuration Creation of a SPAM Filter This user guide aims to equip and facilitates users in creation of SPAM filtering mechanism to counter the ever increasing SPAM emails received in a daily basis. Please note that the configuration as discussed in this Chapter can ONLY be used in Microsoft Outlook 2000 client. The basis of this user guide is to use "catch" words or key phrases which spammers often deployed in emails that are not normally used in legitimate sense. For example, spammers may use the word "MLM" or the phrase "debt consolidation" in spamming emails. To counter this, we can create a filter and configuring these words and phrases in the filter database and move all corresponding emails containing these words to the SPAM folder for review. The reason for moving them to a designated folder rather than deleting them immediately is to ensure that legitimate emails which have been accidentally filter off in the SPAM folder can be rescued. Step-by-Step Guide
1. Open Outlook by double-clicking on the Outlook icon located on your desktop or Program Menu. 2. Click on Tools > Rules Wizard. 3. Click on New.
4. Click on "Check messages when they arrive" and then click on Next >.
5. First, select the box next to "with specific words in the subject" - You may want to repeat this by clicking "with specific words in the body". Second, click the specific words link in the bottom text box. [Note the many different conditions that allow you to set up specific rules in handling your email. The "Rules Wizard" is a powerful tool that is worthy in spending some time learning its capabilities]
6. A new dialog box will appear where you can Add as many words or phrases as you would like to. A good approach is to choose words that are specific to the SPAM messages that are unlikely to be found in your legitimate emails. We have added "lose weight" as an example. You may always return to this dialog menu to add new words later so don't worry about being too comprehensive. When you are finished, click OK and then Next >. 7. First, click "move it to the specified folder". Second, click the "specified" link in the bottom text box.
8. First, highlight the "Inbox" by clicking once. Second, click the "New" button.
9. Type "SPAM" in the "Name:" text box and click OK. 10.Click "OK" and then "Finish" in the next dialog box.
11.Click "Rename..." to rename the rule we just created.
12.Erase "lose weight" and choose a name for the specific rule that you have just created. I named the rule "SPAM Subject" to reflect that I am trapping SPAM by using keywords and phrases in the subject line of incoming emails. Click "OK" and you will be returned to the main menu. 13. You have just created your first rule and now have two options:
1. Option 1: Clicking "OK" will start filtering all emails. The next incoming email message which passes through the filtering will be subjected to the keyword and phrase filter you just created. Any emails containing the keywords and phrases in the subject line, will be automatically moved to the SPAM folder. 2. Option 2: Clicking Run Now will bring up a new dialog box allowing you to immediately run your rules on the existing email in your inbox. First, select the "SPAM Subject" rule. Second, "Browse" to your "Inbox" folder. Third, click "Run Now" which will start the filtering process on all email within your Inbox.
A dialog box will display the status of the filter as it scans your email.
When completed, click "Close". You are done! You have just created a SPAM filter targeting the Subject line of incoming emails. You may want to repeat this process to create a filter targeting the Message Body of incoming emails. Over the next few days and weeks you will need to modify your rules by adding or removing keywords and phrases. The more time spent in "tweaking" or fine-tuning your filter rules, the better the SPAM filter you will have. Anytime you need to modify your rules simply: 1. Click on Tools > Rules Wizard. 2. Click on the Subject link in blue - in this case lose weight.
3. Add or remove keywords and phrases. Click OK when finished and OK once more to return to your inbox.