Thunderbird Autoresponder Setup

This post explains how to set up an Out_Of_Office auto reply with Mozilla Thunderbird.

Compose an Out_Of_Office Template (the eMail that you are going to send to tell everyone you are Out of the Office).

Fill in the Subject line with something appropriate like Out_Of_Office.

Save this eMail as a Template. From the main menu -> File -> Save as -> Template

More Info on --> Message templates

Now that your Template is complete.

From the Thunderbird main menu -> Tools -> Message Filters -> Filters for: [select the account] -> [New] ->

Filter name: [Out of Office] -> [To] -> [is] -> [Your eMail Address] -> [Reply with Template] -> [Select Template] -> [OK]

Do not send yourself an eMail to test this, it will cause a loop (using the same eMail address).

When you send the eMail to yourself, you will auto answer to yourself, then that eMail will be auto answered, etc.

Send a test eMail to the eMail address you entered in the [Your eMail Address] field from some other eMail account.

Wait 1 minute for the server to send you your mail.

When you get the eMail, check your [Sent] eMail folder and you will see that your Template was sent.

Wait 1 minute for the server to send you your mail.

Check your [InBox] and you will see your template has been sent to you.

To turn this feature off and on from the main menu -> Tools -> Message Filters -> [x] check or un-check the box next to you Filter.

It is possible to filter who gets and does not get the Out_of _Office reply.

This --> Link HERE may help also, it is a 2 page link, so click "NEXT" at the bottom of the first Page.


You must leave your computer running with Thunderbird open.

Remember you can also do this with most ISP's (Internet Service Provider) and you not have to leave your computer on.