Weekly Computer Tip # 16
2 June 2003

Make a sent message unavailable after a specified date (Microsoft Outlook)

Did you know ...

you can set any messages that become irrelevant after a certain date, for instance about a meeting, to expire after the meeting date or time.

Here's how:

1. create a message as normal
2. click the Options button on the toolbar
3. in the Delivery options section select the "Expires after" check box
4. click on the down arrow to the right of the "Expires after" check box
5. in the Date Navigator click on the date you want or click on the left or right arrow on either side of the month to change the month.
6. click on Close and send the message as normal.

If the message is received before the expiration time, it will be treated as normal until reaching the expiration date/time. Expired messages remain in the recipient's Inbox, but they are highlighted with strikethrough formatting for easy identification.

By default, Outlook deletes expired messages when it performs AutoArchive. AutoArchive is a feature that moves old items out of your mailbox and into an archive location, where you can access them if and when you need to. This keeps your mailbox size down, which makes it quicker and easier to locate and manage the information you use most often. To check your current setting, choose Tools, Options, then switch to the AutoArchive tab.

Until next week.

PS I’m committed to sharing the best of what I know with others so please don’t keep me a secret. If you enjoyed today’s tip, please forward it to anyone you feel may benefit. Alternatively, feel free to reprint it (with full copyright and subscription information) in your newsletters and message boards.

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