Problem
If you are sending an email from the web version of outlook (spartanmail.msu.edu) to someone that has decided to hide their information from the directory, you will likely see an “external” tag show up next to their name. This generally usually occurs the second or third time you send them an email message.
This “external” notification is not currently displayed for individuals using the Outlook client on their computer.
Environment
Webmail (spartanmail.msu.edu)
Resolution
Your email will be delivered as normal. Nothing needs to be done.
Cause
This is how Microsoft has currently designed the system. If the person, however, desires to “un-hide” their information from the directory, they can do so by following the steps in KB 16.