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Note: The Junk mail rules is visible only if you use an Exchange mailbox. We're working on a solution for POP3/IMAP accounts.

Some users are reporting problems with Outlook 2003's junk email filter not working properly. It ignores names on the safe lists and moves their mail to the junk folder, it ignores addresses on the blocked list and leaves them in the Inbox. Changing the junk mail settings doesn't appear to have an effect on what gets filtered - the same amount of junk is filtered on high, low or off.

If this any of the above is happening to you, make sure you have the latest updates installed. If you are using another anti-spam addin, disable it. Running two anti-spam filters can affect Outlook's ability to properly process spam.

If you aren't using a second anti-spam application on your local computer, you can try an experimental solution: deleting the junk mail rule in Outlook. It's a hidden message in the Inbox and you need a special tool to access it. The easiest to use is Outlook Spy. Outlook will recreate the rule and if this solution fixes your problem it means the Junk Email rule was corrupted.

Also, if you decide to try this, let me know if it helped or not and whether you are using an Internet account (POP3 or IMAP) or Exchange cached mode. Drop me an email at webmaster@outlook-tips.net.

1. Install Outlook Spy.
2. Find your pst and make a copy. It's usually found at C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook. A simple right click, copy, right click paste is enough.
3. Start Outlook.
4. Export your rules, just to be safe. (Tools, Rules and Alerts menu).
5. Select the Inbox, if it's not already selected.
6. Click on the IMAPIFolder button on the Outlook Spy toolbar. Your screen will now resemble the first screenshot.
7. Click on the Associated Contents tab.
8. Locate the Junk Email Rule. It may be near the end of the list. (Second screenshot)
9. Select it and press Delete.
10. Close then restart Outlook.

Outlook will recreate the Junk Email rule when it starts and your junk email settings should not be affected. Don't forget to let me know if this worked. :)

What are the other things in that folder? It's information about your email accounts, including data about messages left on the server, if you leave messages on the server. You'll also find rules created using Rules and Alerts. You might have some custom views and if you use 3rd party add-ins, they might add some hidden files. Don't delete anything except the junk email rule or you risk messaging up your accounts or rules.

If you make a mistake and delete something you shouldn't, you can use the copy of the pst you created earlier. Otherwise, delete it if you are confident you didn't screw anything up.