How to Send an Encrypted Message Using Outlook Express

This topic explains how to send an encrypted message using Outlook Express for the purposes of setting up a PKI/Exchange test environment.

The computer account and domain names used in this procedure are based on the test environment described in Implementing an Exchange 2003-Based Message Security System in a Test Environment.

Before You Begin

At the console, log on to CONT-WK01 as a member of the Domain Users group.

Click Start, point to All Programs, and click Outlook Express.
When prompted, type the user's password.
To compose a new message, click Create Mail.
To add a recipient from Active Directory, click To.
Under Type name or select from list, click Find.
In the Look in list, click Active Directory, type the name of the recipient in Name, and then click Find Now.
Select the name, and then click To.
Click OK to close the Select Recipients box.
On the toolbar, ensure that the Encrypt button is selected. Because you want to test only encryption, ensure that the Sign button is not selected.

Important

To successfully send an encrypted e-mail message, the recipient must already have a digital certificate. If you attempt to send an encrypted e-mail message to a user who does not have a digital certificate, you will receive an error. Make sure you have followed the instructions in Implementing an Exchange 2003-Based Message Security System in a Test Environment for all your test users before sending e-mail messages to them.

Encrypted message in Outlook Express
Click Send.

For more information, see the following resources: