In outlook, I want to set up a filter/color for any unread message
FROM an address for which there is already a READ message in the same
folder with the same FROM address.

The idea here is that if I once read a message from some one (and not
deleted it), then it is not spam, so any new messages from that person
should be highlighted so they stand out from the spam.

I don't want a solution where I have to periodically have to manually
export the FROM address list - I want this to work continously and
automatically. I imagine it being possible with a couple of VBA
scripts, one that runs each time a message is read and one that runs
each time a new message is recieved.

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Request for Question Clarification by aht-ga on 09 Aug 2003 13:18 PDT

bigjosh-ga:

Can you please clarify which version of MS Outlook you are using?
Microsoft has added functionality for scripting in each new version,
so knowing which version you are using will help determine what level
of solution is necessary.

Thanks!

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Clarification of Question by bigjosh-ga on 09 Aug 2003 15:36 PDT

Outlook 2002 SP2. Thanks!

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Request for Question Clarification by aht-ga on 09 Aug 2003 16:08 PDT

bigjosh-ga:

Please take a look at http://www.inboxbuddy.com to see if it would
work for you. Given what it is that you are looking for, you would be
better off purchasing a supported software application that works as
an Outlook plugin. Depending on how you use Outlook, any program that
attempts to use the read mail in the current folder as its database of
acceptable senders would cause your computer to spend an inordinate
amount of effort processing through the entire folder each time a new
message arrives. With a plugin that maintains its own list (and
provides an easy automated interface for you to add/delete addresses
from that list based on who you send mail to), you will have a faster
user experience.

If you still want to look for scripts to modify Outlook yourself,
please let me know and I will see what I can do to help.

Although is is tangent to your request, I would recommend using
something like Goodbyespam.com for filtering spam.  This uses a
fundamentally different approach to managing spam, one along the lines
you're looking for -- a "greenlist" that allows you to only receive
messages from people you've approved.  You can check it out at
www.goodbyespam.com.