OL97: Unreliable Read and Delivery Receipts Using Internet E- mail (170684)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Outlook 97
This article was previously published under Q170684

SYMPTOMS

When sending a message through any of the Internet e-mail services available for Outlook, the "Tell me when this message has been delivered" and "Tell me when this message has been read" features may yield unexpected results.

CAUSE

The results of the "Tell me when this message has been delivered" and "Tell me when this message has been read" features in Outlook vary depending on the type of e-mail server receiving the message. Internet e-mail servers and clients do not handle these features in a standard way.

MORE INFORMATION

When composing a message, the Options tab provides the following Tracking Options:
  • Tell me when this message has been delivered
  • Tell me when this message has been read
Whatever options you select, some e-mail servers will never return a receipt and others may always return a receipt, regardless of whether or not the message has been read.

Rich Text Format

Some e-mail servers that normally return a delivery receipt will not send a receipt if the message is sent in Microsoft Exchange rich-text format.

To prevent sending a message in Microsoft Exchange rich-text format, follow these steps when composing a message:
  1. Type the e-mail address of the recipient in the To box.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Check Names.
  3. Right-click the e-mail address of the recipient, and click Properties on the shortcut menu.
  4. Clear the check box for "Always send to this recipient in Microsoft Exchange rich-text format," and then click OK.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/26/2000
Keywords:kbinfo KB170684
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