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How do i set up a Gmail vacation message?

Dave! I'm a big fan of Google Gmail - like you are - and have gotten most things figured out, but I'm wondering if you can tell me how to set up a vacation autoresponder so people know when I'm on a trip?

Dave's Answer:

Actually, it's pretty easy to set up a vacation responder in Gmail: click on "Settings", scroll down a bit and you'll see:

Now you just need to pick a subject and message, like "Off to Nepal, June 1-17" or, perhaps, "At NASCAR trials, back 3 Oct." or "At Star Trek Convention. Again." :-)

One thing worth mentioning here is the "Only send a response to people in my Contacts" option. If you manage your contacts list better than I do, your list should include just your frequent correspondents, so it's smart to check this. Of course, since Gmail automatically includes any mailing lists you're on in your contacts list, it still isn't quite as useful as it could.

And now, a word of vague paranoia: you might think carefully about whether you want strangers knowing that you're out of town and your travel schedule. Probably doesn't matter, but just in case...

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Categorized: Computer and Internet Basics (Article 7404)
Tagged: google gmail, vacation autoresponder
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Comments

This looks like the kind of thing that google has created as part of its '20%' time that it gives to engineers to create something that they are interested in, not a major product release.

I can see no real use for this, personally speaking. However, if it makes you happy.

Cheers.

Posted by: Alan Marks at June 6, 2007 2:59 AM

I have a lot to say, but ...

I have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but most of all I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a chai!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!