The present invention involves detecting unsolicited electronic mail distributed in bulk. In one embodiment, a method for automatically processing electronic mail loads an electronic mail message. Non non-textual information is removed from the electronic mail message. A first portion from the electronic mail message is located and a first code smaller than the first portion and indicative of the first portion is generated. A second portion from the electronic mail message is located and a second code smaller than the second portion and indicative of the second portion is generated. The first code and the second code are stored.