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Is it possible to "refresh" the INBOX from the Server?

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Using POP protocole. My Inbox is corrupted, in that the older emails are missing. I was thinking that if I could 1. Delete the INBOX Folder and INBOX.MSF folders, then somhow "force" a retrieval of all the emails retained on the server I could resolve this issue.

Is it possible to force TB to "re-retrieve" emails?

Using POP protocole. My Inbox is corrupted, in that the older emails are missing. I was thinking that if I could 1. Delete the INBOX Folder and INBOX.MSF folders, then somhow "force" a retrieval of all the emails retained on the server I could resolve this issue. Is it possible to force TB to "re-retrieve" emails?

Chosen solution

The popstate.dat file keeps a record of what it has previously downloaded so that it does not redownload.

If you delete that file, Thunderbird will create a new one and then download anything in the server Inbox. Then you will also have a new popstate.dat file with corect info.

First: Make sure Inbox is empty. Right click on Inbox and select 'Compact'. Now you will have an empty Inbox.

Make hidden files and folders visible:

In Thunderbird Help > Troubleshooting Information

  • click on 'show Folder'
a new window opens showing Profile folder.
  • Close Thunderbird now - this is important
  • click on 'Mail' folder
  • click on mail account name folder
  • look for and delete ; popstate.dat file
  • look for and delete: Inbox.msf file
  • Close window - top right X
  • Restart Thunderbird

A new Inbox.msf file will be created. A new popstate.dat file will be created.

When you start TB it should start to look for everything in server Inbox and download. Then you can move emails into suitable folders for storage,

Read this answer in context 👍 2

All Replies (4)

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right click the folder, select properties and then the repair button.

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That will just re-index what is currently in the INBOX. I want to re-download all my emails...

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Chosen Solution

The popstate.dat file keeps a record of what it has previously downloaded so that it does not redownload.

If you delete that file, Thunderbird will create a new one and then download anything in the server Inbox. Then you will also have a new popstate.dat file with corect info.

First: Make sure Inbox is empty. Right click on Inbox and select 'Compact'. Now you will have an empty Inbox.

Make hidden files and folders visible:

In Thunderbird Help > Troubleshooting Information

  • click on 'show Folder'
a new window opens showing Profile folder.
  • Close Thunderbird now - this is important
  • click on 'Mail' folder
  • click on mail account name folder
  • look for and delete ; popstate.dat file
  • look for and delete: Inbox.msf file
  • Close window - top right X
  • Restart Thunderbird

A new Inbox.msf file will be created. A new popstate.dat file will be created.

When you start TB it should start to look for everything in server Inbox and download. Then you can move emails into suitable folders for storage,

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Thank you thank you thank you!!