Message rules don't get followed consistently

  • Thread starter Thread starter Liz Z.
  • Start date Start date
L

Liz Z.

I have created several message rules, and I know they
are "worded" properly, because they are often followed,
but quite frequently are not. For example, messages with a
certain set of words in the subject are to be moved to a
specific folder. Sometimes they are, sometimes they
aren't! One idea I have is that if I am viewing my Inbox,
the messages are more likely to remain there rather than
move to their "proper" folder.

I have no idea why the whole thing seems to be so buggy,
unless Outlook just isn't good at this! I use Windows XP
Pro and Outlook 2002.

Thanks for any ideas!

Liz Z.
 
Try adding "stop processing more rules" to your rules and see if that helps.
It's possible that more than one rule is acting on a particular message
where you didn't intend for this to happen, and weirdness ensues :-)

--
Jocelyn Fiorello
MVP - Outlook

*** Messages sent to my e-mail address will NOT be answered -- please
reply only to the newsgroup to preserve the message thread. ***


In
 
Where should that new rule go--at the top or the bottom of
the list of existing rules--or does it matter?

Liz
 
I tried putting the "stop processing more rules" rule in
both positions--it didn't work.

I also made sure I was IN the spcified folder when
creating each rule, and clicked on "Run Rule Now."

Does anyone have any other ideas?

Liz
 
Rules are processed in the order they are listed in the Rules Wizard.
If you want more than one rule to process messages, do not add the
"stop processing more rules" action to earlier rules, or put that rule at the
top of your rules list. Put the most active rules at the top of the list.

Tip 42: Stop Processing More Rules
http://www.outlook-tips.net/archives/20030930.htm

By the way, if you check the "Run this rule now" box,
the rule will filter through messages currently in your inbox.
Do this if appropriate, otherwise simply confirm that the
"Turn on this rule" box is checked and click finish.
 
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