Why don't rules work? (especially on spam)

[J Harder]

[I am using Outlook 2000, SP3, on Windows 2000
Professional.]

I have tried everything, but the rules in Rules Wizard
that search incoming e-mails only work sometimes, and
almost never work on the spam I was trying to filter. For
example, if I send myself an e-mail with the word "free"
in it, the rule catches it, sometimes (not always
repeatable). But if some spam comes in with the
word "free" in it, then the rule never catches it.

How can I get the rules to run reliably, as advertised?
Has anyone else had this problem? Do I need to re-install
or upgrade? Ideas welcome.

The spam is pouring in like monsoon rain these days, and
the Rule Wizard, if it worked, could really help reduce
the volume.

- JH

 

[David M. Streb, MCSE]

John:

Practice safe browsing to begin with....
Don't include your e-mail address in newsgroups; this is where spammers pick
up a lot of addresses to spam.
Don't include your email address on your web site, another common mistake I
noticed you are doing.
On to rules....
There is almost no difference in purchasing a "SPAM" filter vs.. using the
built-in functionality of Outlook rules, other than the warm fuzzy feeling
you get when you install the filter.
You have not described your environment--are you on an Exchange server? My
guess is no.
What "free" ads are coming through? Are they inside an "image" file? If so,
the rule will fail because it cannot read text inserted in graphics.
Are you using HTML as your default mail format? Don't. Use rich format text
only. This will stop the graphics and will force all other items to be
text-based.
Are your rules set in the correct order? Rules are examined in order, so be
sure the most important rule is processed first.
Setup a "Spam" folder in Outlook. Create a rule based on your address
list--if the senders return address is not in your address book, move the
message to your Spam folder.
Create your keyword search next.
Adjust as necessary.

Finally, you can use an outside source for your e-mail (other than your
ISP). Find a source that uses both Blacklisted and Whitlisted mail lists.

Hope this helps...most importantly, practice the first two items.
--
David M. Streb, MCSE
Exiis.Net
Full Service Network Management
http://www.exiis.net
Dave at exiis dot net