Public Folder-Configure Automatic Reply

Using Outlook 2000 and Exchange Server 5.5. Our web site directs inquiries to a public folder. I want to setup the server for an automatic reply. When doing this from Outlook using Rules Wizard, I can set the rule, but it will not allow me to enter a automatic server "reply message". I attempted to import a rule from a private mailbox with no success. I tried to create a template but it was not be accepted. I tried disabling Rules Wizard to use Inbox Assistant but could not. I checked my permissions and they are intact. I checked the internet mail properties and they are intact. I have followed the following guidances with no success: http://www.slipstick.com/rules/autoreply.htm and index.htm, http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q183/9/27.asp?LNG=ENG&SA=PER, and others. I have found no guidances on Technet or Microsoft Exchange site. I'm running the Microsoft Exchange Service on my server and workstation. I made myself owner of the public folder. I need to know why I cannot enter a message in the "have server send an automatic response" condition, and/or what I need to do to make this happen. Your response should be detailed and self-explanatory. Remember, I have followed the Microsoft guidances to the letter with nosuccess.