Using oft file w/reply rule, msg body will not show up

In Outlook 2k, with all service packs and updates, I am trying to use .oft
files with the "reply using a specific template" rule. I create the template
from an html format email, and it looks fine. If I open the .oft file from
the folder that it's in, and send it, it comes through fine. However, when it
gets sent by the process of the rule there is no body to the message when it
is received. The subject line is ok. This is driving me nuts! Help is greatly
appreciated in advance - Thanks!