How do I use an out-of-office message in Outlook Express?

This is possible using a message rule in Outlook Express, but you must first determine if it is the best solution. Because Outlook Express message rules exist only on the client computer and not on the mail server itself, Outlook Express must be running and must be configured to check for new messages periodically for message rules to come into action. If you want an out-of-office message to be sent when you go to lunch or a meeting, then a message rule will work perfectly well. If however you want your away message sent because you will be on a beach in the Bahamas for the next two weeks, a message rule doesn't make much sense. Do you really want to leave your computer on with Outlook Express running during that time? The only feasible solution is to implement an automatic message from the mail server, not from Outlook Express. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer this service as part of your basic Internet subscription, so contact your ISP and ask if and how you can set this up before you hit the beach.