Member Avatar for carlino

Sorry if this is in the wrong section but I couldn't find any for Exchange.

Anyway, my problem is; how do I set up an auto-reply for a public mailbox? I'm using Exchange 2003 and Outlook XP and 2003. But the setting must be done on the server, right?

Anyone got an idea of how to do it?

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Short answer for : yes — you can have an automatic reply come from a public (mail‑enabled) folder, but the rule is created from Outlook (Folder Assistant) and saved/processed on the Exchange server. The Folder Assistant’s “Reply With” template is the supported way to do this, however the account creating the rule must have the Send As permission on that public folder. (flylib.com)

How to do it (high‑level steps):

  • Mail‑enable the public folder (give it an SMTP address) so it can receive mail. (learn.microsoft.com)
  • Grant the administrative account Send As on that folder (otherwise the folder won’t accept a Reply‑With template). (jeffpar.github.io)
  • In Outlook (using the account with Owner/Send As rights): right‑click the public folder → Properties → Administration → Folder Assistant → Add Rule → check Reply With → Template → compose and Save & Close. Confirm the rule when Outlook prompts that it will fire for all incoming messages. (flylib.com)
  • If replies must go to external addresses, enable automatic replies/auto‑forwards for the target remote domain in Exchange System Manager (Global Settings → Internet Message Formats → Default → Advanced → Allow automatic replies / Allow out‑of‑office as required). By default Exchange 2003 blocks automatic replies to Internet recipients. ()

Quick troubleshooting notes: if you get “Changes to the rule could not be saved,” recheck Send As and folder ownership. If internal replies work but external ones do not, verify the Internet Message Formats/remote‑domain settings and any anti‑spam/relay controls. Test from an internal account and from an external address to confirm behavior. Also watch for mail‑loop risks and spam implications when auto‑responding to Internet senders. (jeffpar.github.io)

If this feels fragile, an easier alternative is a dedicated shared mailbox (support@...) with a mailbox OOF/automatic‑replies or a server‑side rule — simpler to manage than Send As and public‑folder ACLs.

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Member Avatar for bentkey

You still would do it in Outlook. Auto replys always happen at the server.

Member Avatar for carlino

How? If I just go to the public folder/mailbox and then up in the menu click my way to where the auto-reply is, then isn't it just set for my account and not the public mailbox?

Member Avatar for Mustafo

Refer to the article explaining .

Member Avatar for jingda

Dude above. The previous post is in 2004, 7 years ago!!!

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