**Note: These instructions only apply to users that have e-mail accounts on the department mail server, ego.psych.mcgill.ca**

I get asked about this quite often therefore I have decided to show you how to turn on and turn off the vacation message for your e-mail.

One very important issue that needs to be mentioned about this feature is that the use of the vacation message could potentially attract spam mail to your e-mail address. One of the ways for spammers to verify that your e-mail address is valid is for you to reply to their spam mails. When the vacation feature is turned on anyone who sends you an e-mail will get a reply from you containing the vacation message; therefore this is a very easy way for spammers to confirm that your e-mail address is valid.

As for the position of the IT staff concerning this issue we recommend that you do not use the vacation message feature unless it is absolutely necessary, especially for those that receive frequent spam e-mails to begin with. 

If you still prefer to use the vacation message feature please follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome etc).

2. Log in to your mail account through Webmail (enter https://www.psych.mcgill.ca/webmail in the address bar).

3. Once you are logged in, a small menu of buttons on the top left side of the screen will appear. Press on the button called "User preferences", which is the second last one on the right of the row, just on the left of the door button (logout).

4. Under "Personal Information", check the box just on the right of "Auto Reply" to activate the vacation message feature.

5. Under "Auto Reply Text" and "Signature", you can customize your vacation message by making any necessary changes.

6. Scroll to the bottom of the page and press the "Save" button to save your changes.

7. To disable the vacation message the procedure is the same, except you will need to uncheck the box just on the right of "Auto Reply". Press the "Save" button at the bottom of the page to confirm. 

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you need assistance with using the vacation message feature.