What is the little hammer and wrench on my action part of rules

[PeterM]

Would someone please tell me what the little hammer and wrench icon is in
the action part of the rules display. I'm still trying to figure out why my
rules don't work. It seems to me like 99 % of my email winds up in my junk
mail folder. I have the spam filter or what they call it set to low already.
Where can I read more about the rules, what the difference is between having
a rule on top, or on the bottom etc etc. I'm trying to have certain email go
to a certain folder, but it still winds up in the damn junk email folder.
What am I doing wrong. It looks all ok to me, but I'm sure I'm screwing up
somewhere. Any help is appreciated. I'm using Outlook 2003. I'm also using
the new beta spyware thing from MS.............

 

[Pat Garard]

G'Day Peter,

The Icon to which you refer has for many years been associated
with programming 'Tools' or 'Toolbox'. In this context it represents
"stop processing more rules".

This is NOT the place for a programming lesson, BUT ...
Creating rules IS in fact an exercise in programming.

The general form of a rule is:
IF {condition1} AND {condition2} AND .....
THEN
DO {action1} and DO {action2} and DO .....
and DO <optionally> STOP
EXCEPT
IF {condition5} OR {condition6) OR .....

Rules are executed strictly in order:
Rule1
Rule2
Rule3
Rule4
:
Rule(m)
Rule(n)
:
and constitute an ordered series of tests, with consequent actions IF
the conditions are met.

ALL rules whose {conditions} are met will DO their {actions}. It
would not be unusual to have NO Rules with <optional> STOPs.

However, if there is a Rule(m) and a Rule (n) where you do NOT
want BOTH to operate then Rule (m) has a STOP. If the conditions
for Rule(m) are met, then NO further Rules (including Rule(n)) are
processed, otherwise control IS passed to Rule(n)....

By this means, and by carefully working out the logic, you can set
up a complete series of tests and actions to meet your needs.

 

[PeterM]

Hello Pat, I'm not sure if I can follow all the logic, but I hope I
can.........I think I probably set a rule in motion, that does nothing then,
because they are not working. WOW Bless you for being so nice and to explain
it to me. I will do my best................Peter

 

[Pat Garard]

G'Day again Peter,

One guiding principle I omitted is the KISS principle -
Keep It Simple Stupid!

Create ONE Rule at a time, and test it, When it
is working, then create the next Rule and test that.

Good Luck!!