Write a batch file that will speed up the process.

Make a file in notepad called spam.bat and enter the following:
 
::rename spam.htm to spam.txt
if exist %temp%\spam.htm ren %temp%\spam.htm spam.txt
 
::open spam-in.txt
if exist %temp%\spam.txt notepad.exe %temp%\spam.txt
 
::delete spam.*
del %temp%\spam.*

This line is not part of the batch file. You will likely also want to add to your 'Favorites' a new shortcut that points to '%temp%'. Don't type the ' marks.

New process for prepping spam for submission to SpamCop would be as follows:

  1. Select spam message from list. (Do not have preview pane enabled.)
  2. File/Save As. Select your shortcut to %temp% from the favorites. Name the file 'spam'. Allow the extension to be set by Outlook. (i.e. you enter 'spam' and Outlook saves as 'spam.txt' or 'spam.htm')
  3. Right click the message on the list and select Options. Select the headers with Alt-H, then copy (Ctrl+C). Close the Options dialog box (pressing ESC will do that quickly.)
  4. Run spam.bat. (A shortcut to it on the start menu or desktop can make it more convenient. You can even use this icon file for your shortcut.)
  5. Paste (Ctrl+V) your headers into the beginning of the message.
  6. Edit/Select All (in Win98 you will have to use the menu, since the Ctrl-A shortcut doesn't work in that version of notepad.)
  7. Copy then paste into your SpamCop submission form for processing.
    Alternatively your ISP may want you to send it to them in the body of a plain-text message to help them adjust their filters. Check with your ISP first. Our host prefers the message to be sent in plain-text with the original subject line prepended by "[email] " (without the quotes) to help quickly identify the email as a spam report.

Users with shell access on UN*X systems may appreciate the following abuse contact lookup script.

Create a file contaning the following in your executable path:
#!/bin/bash
dig txt $1.contacts.abuse.net

Remember to set the permission bits correctly to insure proper operation.

© 2002 QPG except where noted otherwise.