Export or import a set of rules from Outlook

This article explains how to import or export a set of mailbox rules by using Outlook®.

Export a set of mailbox rules

Export a set of mailbox rules by using the following steps:

1. Open Outlook.
2. Click the File tab.
3. Click Manage Rules & Alerts.
4. Click Options.
5. Click Export Rules.
6. Select the folder where you want to save the rules file, and then name the file.
7. Click Save.

If you want to export a file that contains only rules that are compatible with a previous version of Outlook, in the Save as type list, select one of the following:

• Outlook 2002® Compatible Rules Wizard rules

• Outlook 2000® Compatible Rules Wizard rules

• Outlook 98® Compatible Rules Wizard rules

Import a set of mailbox rules

Import a set of mailbox rules by using the following steps:

1. Open Outlook.
2. Click the File tab.
3. Click Manage Rules & Alerts.
4. Click Options.
5. Click Import Rules.
6. Select the rules file that you want to import.
7. If you are importing a file that contains rules other than those in the Rules and Alerts Wizard, such as rules that are compatible with previous versions of Outlook, click the applicable file type in the file type list.
8. Click Open.