Outlook 2003

Using Message Flags

Introduction

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Assign a flag to a message
  • Associate a reminder with a specific message flag color
  • Define reminder details, including due date, flag color, and message
  • Mark a flagged item as complete

Using message flags

Outlook provides a system that allows you to prioritize and manage your messages. This message-flagging system allows you to assign a specific flag color to a message in your inbox and then associate a reminder with that message and/or flag color. The default flag color when you open Outlook is gray.

To assign a flag to a message:

  • Open your inbox.
  • Right-click the gray flag in the row of message you want to flag.
  • Select a colored flag from the menu. The flag color will automatically change, and by default the Follow up reminder will appear in the message header.

    Select Flag Color

Change the default reminder associated with a flag:

  • Open your inbox.
  • Right-click the blue flag .
  • Select Add Reminder from the list. The Flag for Follow Up dialog box will appear.
  • Select a predefined reminder using the Flag to: drop-down list.
  • Select a due date using the Due by: drop-down list.

    Flag Reminder
  • Click OK .

To mark a flagged message as complete:

  • Open your inbox.
  • Right-click any colored flag.
  • Select Flag Complete from the menu.

Challenge!

  • Open your inbox.
  • Assign a message a red flag. The default reminder will state Follow up .
  • Assign a message a yellow flag. The default reminder will state Follow up .
  • Change the reminder for the yellow flag to Call .
  • Set a due date for the reminder.
  • Mark the message with the red flag as complete.