With the rise in spam, it is difficult to find the emails you want. One of the best ways to solve this problem is with email rules. Rules can be the saving grace of any email program as they automatically act based on a defined condition. For example, you could build an email rule that moves your favorite newsletter to a folder called "Newsletters".

Outlook Express provides an easy means for building email rules. The dialog includes a sectioned panel that divides the task into four parts. This panel also provides starting values for you that can be modified. Using this panel, you can build rules to prioritize your email. Or, you may move items to different folders or highlight the items in different colors so they stand out.

4 Elements of Outlook Express Rules

To start, all email rules in Outlook Express contain four elements. These include:

Condition this is the trigger for the email rule and is most often the senders email address. However, it could be specific subject or word within the email.

Action this is how you would like the program to handle the email. I usually build rules to move emails to specific folders. You could also copy, delete, forward, flag, defer or automatically reply to emails.

Description this area is where you further define the actions. For example, you would provide specifics about which folder to move emails to or which auto-reply message to use.

Rule Name this is the name you provide for you email rule.

To create a rule in Outlook Express,

1. Highlight the email you would like to use as the basis for you rule such as this newsletter

2. From the Message menu, select Create Rule from Message The New Mail Rule dialog will open.

3. Select a Condition(s) from Section 1. By default, Outlook Express assumes you want to create rule based on the Senders address.

4. Select an Action(s) from Section 2.

5. Edit any underlined values from Section 3.

6. Provide a new name for the email rule

7. Press OK

Any new mail received will be interpreted by your email rules. You can also apply the rules against your Inbox by selecting Tools | Message Rules | Mail. A dialog will open that will allow you to select a rule and use the Apply Now button.

• 3-Minute Flash Outlook Express Rules Tutorial