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how can I empty a mail folder quickly?

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  • 6 have this problem
  • 89 views
  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

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My emails are accumulating fast in various folders. How can I quickly empty ALL emails in a particular folder? I right click on the particular folder, but there is no 'select all' option.

My emails are accumulating fast in various folders. How can I quickly empty ALL emails in a particular folder? I right click on the particular folder, but there is no 'select all' option.

Chosen solution

Thanks for your reply, I have just moved over to Thunderbird and previously just right clicked a folder which then gave me the option to delete all. why is this not available in Thunderbird? I am a great believer in the KISS formula. Again thanks

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To select all emails in a folder:

  • click on folder to see emails
  • press 'Ctrl' + 'A' keys and all emails should get highlighted.

A list of 'conversations will appear in the lower Message Pane

  • click on 'Delete'

To completely remove all hidden marked as deleted emails and release space in the folder:

  • right click on folder and select: 'Compact'

If you would like old emails in a particular folder to be deleted on a regular basis, you can set up a 'retention policy' on a folder. Please note this will delete messages in Thunderbird and originals on remote server.

  • Right click on folder and select 'Properties'
  • select 'Retention Policy' tab
  • uncheck 'Use my account settings'
  • choose from the options listed
  • eg: select : 'Delete messages more than xx days old.'
  • click on 'OK'
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Chosen Solution

Thanks for your reply, I have just moved over to Thunderbird and previously just right clicked a folder which then gave me the option to delete all. why is this not available in Thunderbird? I am a great believer in the KISS formula. Again thanks

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It is possible that no one has requested it.

However, it is also possible to accidentally delete the entire contents of a folder accidentally. This method is not so quick, but it does help prevent such mistakes.

The 'Junk' and 'Deleted' (also known as Trash) folders do have a right click 'Empty Junk/Deleted' options.