Client-side Spam filtering in Mozilla Mail

You can create an Email filter within Mozilla Mail that automatically filters your Spam. Messages filed into folders called Spam-7, Spam-30 and Spam-60 will automatically be deleted after the corresponding days have passed (e.g. Messages residing in the Spam-30 folder will automatically be deleted after 30 days).

You can choose what spam score you regard as the threshold. ITS recommends a threshold of 5 (*****).

To edit/create mail filters in Mozilla Mail v1.5 or above select Tools, Message Filters...

Click the New... button on the right hand side and the following dialog box will appear:

First give your new filter a relevant name (such as Spam-30). Select the drop down box which contains Subject, select Customize... and type in "X-Spam-Level" and click Add then OK.

N.b. It is important to insert the dashes in between the words otherwise it will create separate headers.

Select "X-Spam-Level" from the drop down box that has "Subject" selected. Ensure the next drop down box has "contains" selected then in the final box insert 5 asterisks (*****) as detailed below.

It will be necessary to create a new folder on mail. Select New Folder... and type in Spam-30. It is important that this folder is named exactly Spam-30 in order for the mail to be automatic ally deleted after the designated time. Next select the drop down box and click on your mail account and select "choose this for the parent" as outlined below. Then click OK.

Finally click the check box next to "Move to folder:" and click OK then X to close the Message Filters dialog box.

Now all new incoming email containing an X-Spam-Level of 5 or more asterisks (*****) will be moved into a folder called Spam-30.

Send a test email to verify your filter works. If your test email is NOT filed into the Spam-30 folder, please check the troubleshooting steps prior to contacting your local IT support officer.