Custom actions add functionality to the Rules Wizard in Microsoft Outlook by performing additional actions on messages.
There are very few custom actions available (in part because they were written in C++). For this reason, we are including other useful "rules tools" here.
Available Custom Actions | Notes | More Information
Tools in the Spotlight
Save attachments as system files either as part of a Rules Wizard rule or manually, from either a folder view or the Advanced Find window. Can create subfolders to organize attachments by sender or date, pass an attachment to a script or other program, add a link in messages to point to the detached file, filter on attachment names, and automatically zip or unzip attachments. Version 5.5.1.327. |
Tools
Rules Wizard custom action to add the sender of an item to the Contacts folder. C++ source code included. Free sample from Microsoft. | |
Adds the sender of a message to your Personal Address Book. Requires Outlook 98 or Outlook 2000 in Corporate/Workgroup mode. Source code is included. | |
Custom action for Rules Wizard to mark messages that meet certain criteria as read and suppress the new mail indicator in the system tray. Improved integration with client-based spam filters. You can now simply designate any folder as AutoRead-enabled, providing an ability to mark new messages in that folder as read and/or remove Outlook's "New Mail" icon when new messages arrive into that folder. Version 2.0.0.47. | |
Exchange/Outlook add-on to create custom replies, forwards, signatures -- inserting any type of boilerplate text into your message. Templates are stored in Outlook or Exchange folders and can contain scripting elements (in VBScript or ET's own script language) to build replies that use information from the incoming message. Various extensions can handle such tasks as mailing list subscriptions. For a rotating quote, download the Rotating Text template. Has some issues with Outlook 2002 -- make sure you get the latest update, disable RTF templates, and don't try to use ET as a custom action in Rules Wizard. | |
MarkRead is a custom action that you can use with Inbox Assistant or the Outlook Rules Wizard to mark messages as read. This is especially handy if you move junk mail to its own folder for review. Beta 1, 16kb, 19 Nov 97. Does not affect the envelope icon on the system tray, which will still show new messages having arrived. May not work in all versions of Outlook 2000. (Custom actions do not work at all in Outlook 2002.) Make sure you have a C:\Exchange folder before running setup; create it if necessary. |
Notes
Adding a custom action to a rule automatically makes it a client-side rule that can execute only when Outlook is running.
More Information
- All about Inbox Assistant and Rules Wizard custom actions — details on what custom actions are and how they’re created using C++
- XCLN What is the ‘Custom’ Rule Action For
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Last reviewed on Aug 22, 2011
This may not be the place – but – I am searching for a way to create a rule in Outlook so that certain emails stay on the server instead of being brought down on the computer. I have to emailadresses that should go on two different computers, but since they are within the same account, all emails are brought down on which ever computer gets there first. Is it possible to create a rule that will leave maisl with one adress on the server by one computer, and opposite on the other?
No, sorry, Outlook doesn’t support such a rule. Its really better to use 2 mailboxes rather than one mailbox catching both accounts but you can use rules to get halfway there:
Computer 1: set outlook to leave mail on the server for xx days (do not use the option to delete when deleted in outlook) and use a rule to delete mail sent to address #2
Create the same rule on the other computer, but deleting address 1.
Hello
I receive system generated mails that I should treat after 14 days. I now have to create a calendar item for each one seperately. I wonder if it would be possible to automate the follow-up.
I found a rule to set a flag, that could work for me if I could add a reminder date to it… but it only allows you to add a flag without a date nor reminder…
Another option would be to convert these mails to calendar items (I would prefer). Sender and subject are standard. starting date = receipt date +14. it should always be planned from 9 am to 9.30 am. But how should that be done?
Thanks in advance!
You should be able to use the script in Create a Task from an Email using a Rule – and add a line for the start or due date = received date + 14. I’m testing it next… (test worked.. .will add the code to that page.)
I get emails that are captured from Squirrel mail client. I have a task to complete after i receive those emails. Once i am done, i have to forward each emails individually to whom the original email was intended to. Is there a way i can create rule to capture who the original intended person was?
I figured all the other items, like
1) re-directing the email so it looks as if it came from the original sender.
2) change the font
But
3) i need to send it to the original intended user – how do i do this step?
Thanks in Advance.
Mohan.
Where is the original recipients name? Rather than a custom rule (which uses C++), you might be able to use VBA to get the address and populate the to field.
Thanks for the response.
Originally, the email is sent from the server to customers X, Y, Z outside the company. But before the email reaches X, Y or Z, i need to do some changes; so i have the squirrel client capture and send those emails to me. So after i am done, i need to send it to those X, Y and Z respectively. Hope this makes it clear.
Is it possible in Outlook 2007 Version 12 to have an automatic response to the meeting organizer for all meetings to be TENATIVE? Currently there seem to be only settings to ACCEPT or DECLINE.
Regards
Leslie Gyi