Microsoft Outlook 2016 is part of Microsoft 365. Outlook 2016 allows you to do more than email messaging. You can also create and accept meetings, create personal appointments, maintain contacts, and create tasks.

Read the following for answers to your most common Outlook email questions.

How do I create a signature?

See the following Microsoft Support articles to learn how to create an email signature.

• Create and add a signature to messages (Windows)
• Create and insert a signature in Outlook for Mac

How can I recover messages I've deleted?

See the following Microsoft Support articles to learn how to recover deleted Outlook items, including deleted contacts.

• Recover deleted items in Outlook for Windows
• Recover a deleted contact in Outlook
• Video: Recover deleted contacts [1:03]

How can I add an attachment to an email I am sending?

See the following Microsoft Support articles to learn how to attach a file to an email.

• Attach files or insert pictures in Outlook email messages
• Attach a file or folder to a message in Outlook for Mac

What attachment file types are restricted or blocked?

See the Microsoft Support article Blocked attachments in Outlook for a complete list of blocked attachment types.

What if I need to send a file that is on the blocked file types list?

If your attachment is blocked because of file type, you have several options.

• Rename the file so that the file type is not one on the blocked list. For example, rename myfile.exe to myfile.exx. Be sure to tell the recipient of the email to change the file name back.
• Compress the file using a file compression program such as WinZip or WinRAR. This option has the added advantage of making your email smaller, thus taking up less space in the recipient's Inbox and your Sent Items, as well as conserving overall email system resources. Be sure your recipients know how to uncompress the file once they receive it.
• Do not include the attachment via email. Instead, use a filesharing service like UChicago Box to host the message, and share it from there.

When I send a message with an attachment, why does the attachment icon appear in the body of the message?

If you select the rich text format, the attachment icon appears in the message itself, instead of in the message header.

How do I turn on the Out of Office Assistant?

See these Microsoft Support articles to learn how to use the Out of Office assistant, now known as automatic replies.

• Automatic replies (formerly Out of Office assistant)
• Send automatic out of office replies from Outlook

Where can I see my University of Chicago mail and calendaring online when I don't have access to the Outlook application?

When you don't have access to your Outlook application, you can read email at Outlook for the Web at portal.office.com. You can access Outlook on the Web with your CNetID and password. You may be prompted to complete the two-factor authentication process as well.

What happened to distribution lists?

Distribution lists are now called contact groups. See these Microsoft Support articles for more information.

• Create a contact  list or distribution list in Outlook for Mac
• Create a contact group or distribution list in Outlook for PC