This can be set up in Mail, but that's really not the best option because you would need to leave your computer on with Mail running the entire time you are away.
To set this up in Mail,
1. Select Mail > Preferences
2. Go to the Rules category. Click Add Rule.
3. Give your autoresponder a descriptive name under Description
4. Select Reply to Message under Perform the following actions
5. Click on Reply message text and enter the text to be used for your reply.
Normally, this is done at the server side - check with your ISP. Often, even though you use Mail via POP or IMAP, your ISP has a webmail option, and under that you can set an out-of-office that will be generated for all incoming mail automatically by your mail server.
I set up an out of office rule in Apple mail, and it worked great while I was on vacation. When I came home, however, I deleted it but rogue messages are being received everyday by people who send me email. Have any idea what's going on?
Can you be more specific as to what you mean by "rogue message"?
Are these messages replies being bounced around the internet by errant vestiges of your out-of-office msg?
Rick,
By rogue, I should have used the description of unpredictable. For example, my daughter sent me about four different emails today. One time, she reported that she got the out of office message. I then sent myself three messages and got the errant auto reply to the second message.
I had created a rule for the out of office message but the rule has long been deleted.
Does that help?
David
Helps a little.
I usually suggest that using the AppleMail program to do an 'out-of-office'...is a Bad Idea.
This is one example. There may be others who will be able to tell you why this rule still seems to want to be in effect. I would suggest that you restart the Mac and see.
and ...if you can avoid this in the future, it will make your life simpler. PS-doesn't your mail provider offer an out of office as a benefit?
Oh, I have restarted the PowerBook G4 numerous times. My email provider is .Mac. Our broadband provider is Comcast but I don't have email with them and have nothing to do with Comcast except to feed our Airport.
This is really puzzling. If any thoughts come to mind, I would appreciate a note here.