block spam: step 1 auto reply to unknown sender's with a code

[Guest]

Before an email from an unknown sender reaches the inbox, outlook could
automatically reply to the return address of the message with a "code" and
instructions that the sender must use the code in the subject line before the
email message will be accepted.
This is a one time action and the email address would be automatically
accepted in the future.
The code should be displayed in non machine readable format to prevent
automatic mailing programs processing the code.
June 12th 2006

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http://www.microsoft.com/office/com...c667&dg=microsoft.public.outlook.installation

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

Given the number of spam messages that spoof the From addresses, this would just propagate more unwanted messages to innocent bystanders. Some services required similar verification, e.g. Mailblocks, have already disappeared.
--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003

and Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

 

[Brian Tillman]

Before an email from an unknown sender reaches the inbox, outlook
could automatically reply to the return address of the message with a
"code" and instructions that the sender must use the code in the
subject line before the email message will be accepted.
This is a one time action and the email address would be automatically
accepted in the future.
The code should be displayed in non machine readable format to prevent
automatic mailing programs processing the code.

Since services that provide this already exist (like spamcop.net), why
burden Outlook?