How-To: Set your outlook away message
Problem:
Your planning on being out of the office for an extended period of time and wish to set an "away message" that will be sent to anyone who emails you.
Resolution:
Microsoft Outlook provides a tool called the Out of Office Assistant that will enable the away message functionality. Follow the instructions below to activate your Out of Office message. This How-To assumes that you are already logged in using the Outlook client or Outlook Web.
Outlook Web Users:
Once logged in, click on Options. It is located at the bottom of the left navigation. (see example image to the right) - The Options view appears and the first configurable item is the "Out of Office Assistant" (see image below)
- Select the "I'm currently out of the office" to turn on your away message.
- Enter the message you wish to be sent to those who email you while you are away in the message box below your earlier selection.
- Click on Save and Close to save your settings.
Notes:
- Your away message becomes effective immediately.
- People who email you will receive the notification the first time they email you during this "away" period.
- On your return from leave, simply return to this options screen and set your selection back to "I'm currently in the office"
- You can still check email without any impact on your away message.
Outlook Client Users:
Once logged in, on the menu, click on Tools (see right). - Select "Out of Office Assistant..." in the drop down menu. The Out of Office Assistant window will open.
- Select the "I'm currently out of the office" to turn on your away message. (see below)
- Enter the message you wish to be sent to those who email you while you are away in the message box below your earlier selection.
- Click OK to save your settings.
Notes:
- Your away message becomes effective immediately.
- People who email you will receive the notification the first time they email you during this "away" period.
- On your return from leave, simply return to this options screen and set your selection back to "I'm currently in the office"
- You can still check email without any impact on your away message.
