Many users who need to send out a standard reply on a regular basis save a copy to Drafts then try to figure out ways to reuse the draft. While this is not the best method for reusing boiler plate messages, if you choose to do it this way, copy the draft (select it, Ctrl+C, V) and use the copy.

Most users don't like to use templates because it takes too many steps to get to the template: Tools, Forms, Choose Forms, look in user templates. Fortunately, you can store the templates in Outlook so the templates are always handy and always with you (when you use Exchange or copy the pst).

Create the message - in Outlook 2003 and older you need to use the Outlook editor or choose Actions, New message using Outlook in order to save as a template. When you are ready to save it, use File, Save as and select template file type (*.oft). This will default to the template location, usually a folder deep in your file system (in Vista, templates are stored at C:\Users\user\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates\). Change this to My Documents or other location that is easy to get to. Open Windows Explorer and locate the template then drag n' drop it in a folder in Outlook. You can drop it in Drafts or create a Template folder. I like to use one called .Template - the leading dot puts it at the top of my folder list so I can find it quickly.

Another option is publishing forms to any folder in Outlook. When you do this, the form is listed on the Actions menu when you are in that folder. To use this method, look on Tools, Forms, Publish this form as and select a folder (in Outlook 2007, show the Developer tab to see Publish.) Unless there is code used in the form (requires publishing) or you use Exchange's organization forms library, a template is preferred.