How can I setup a server-side auto-reply (rule and / or policy) on an Exchange 2007 server that a particular employee no longer works here when an outside vendor sends an email to the ex-employee's email address? In addition, the user account has been disabled so I do not want to have to configure anything on the client side if at all possible. I have about ten ex-employees that I want to setup auto reply for. Thanks in advance, LJC321

You have to do this through Outlook or OWA. I would use the out-of-office method rather than a reply rule. But you might want to consider whether this is the right thing to do. I would think you'd want to refer your customers' e-mail to those who are taking over the responsibilities of the departed employees instead of telling them to, in effect, go away.Ed Crowley MVP "There are seldom good technological solutions to behavioral problems."

Ed, Thanks for the feedback I'll look into using outlook LJC321

If you do decide to use outlook create the rule and use "haver server reply using specific message", you can use a specfic condition i.e if you know the sender address or domain or have it apply to alll messages sent to this mailbox. Beware of mailloops. http://techsupport.psr.edu/AutoReply/AutoReply.htmSukh

How about a hub transport rule instead? Have it send a rejection message with enhanced code sent to that recipient? I agree with Ed though, this is not a good idea generally.

Guys thanks for the feed back I will try a hub transport policy using bounce back rule. LJC321

Hi, 1. You also can set OOF via EMS. http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/archive/2006/10/06/3395024.aspx 2. Create a transport rule "send rejection message to sender with enhanced status code"Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.