How to Send Email in Outlook Express Using a Distribution List

Distribution lists are used for the quick selection of multiple email contacts.

A distribution list is a useful tool when the sender frequently emails a large group of people. By creating this distribution list, you are adding those emails to one group that can be added quickly to an email. The alternative to a distribution list is manually selecting every email recipient. But you must first create the distribution list before you can send an email using it.

Instructions

Creating a Distribution List

1. Open the Outlook Express address book located under the "Tools" menu. Click "Ctrl," "Shift" and "B" for a shortcut to the address book.

2. Click the "New" button. Select the option that says "New Group," an option also found under "File" on the top toolbar.

3. Assign a name to group. Add members to the distribution list using one of the three options given: existing contacts, new contacts or non-contact emails.

4. Press "Select Members" to add existing contacts. Highlight each member you want to add and press the "Select" button. Click the "OK" button when all contacts are added.

5. Press the "New Contact" button to add a new contact to your address book and to the group. Add all the information for the property when the "Properties" box opens and click "OK" to include contact in address book and group.

6. Add an email address that won't be saved as a contact. Enter the name of the individual and her email address in fields "Name" and "E-Mail" at the bottom of the group properties box. Click the "Add" button to add the email address to the group.

Send Email Using Distribution List

1. Click the "Create Mail" button located on the top toolbar; the option can also be found under "File" > "New."

2. Add distribution list to email. Click the "To" icon or click "Tools" > "Select Recipients." Select distribution list and click the "To" button. Click "OK." Type the distribution list name into the "To" field and press"Enter" for another option to add list.

3. Type your email and press "Send" button.

References

• Microsoft: 5 great Outlook Express Tips
• "Outlook Express Contents & Index"; To Create a Group of Contacts; Microsoft; 2004