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Tbird doesn't delete messages from POP3 server with setting of "leave messages on server until I delete them".

  • 3 replies
  • 6 have this problem
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  • Last reply by rcdawson

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I am using yahoo.mail pop3 account. I have set thunderbird to only download messages when I request them. I have set thunderbird to leave messages on the server until I delete them. I am able to send and receive messages without a problem, but messages that I delete from Tbird's inbox do not get deleted from the server.

Also, what is the expected behavior for messages on the server if I move them to a local folder? Should that delete them from the server, or do they remain on the server until I delete them from the local folder?

Thank you.

I am using yahoo.mail pop3 account. I have set thunderbird to only download messages when I request them. I have set thunderbird to leave messages on the server until I delete them. I am able to send and receive messages without a problem, but messages that I delete from Tbird's inbox do not get deleted from the server. Also, what is the expected behavior for messages on the server if I move them to a local folder? Should that delete them from the server, or do they remain on the server until I delete them from the local folder? Thank you.

Chosen solution

Deleting a message only 'marks it as deleted', but it is still in the folder, hidden from view. It is now displaying in the 'deleted' folder.

you need to compact your folder. Right clickon Inbox and select 'Compact'

Inbox and Junk probably get the most activity when it comes to deleting, so they should be compacted ona regular basis. I have serveral emails which I will delete daily, so those two fodler get compacted daily.

See info on: maintaining a healthy thunderbird.

compacting folder, what it does and why it is important.

Backup info:

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Chosen Solution

Deleting a message only 'marks it as deleted', but it is still in the folder, hidden from view. It is now displaying in the 'deleted' folder.

you need to compact your folder. Right clickon Inbox and select 'Compact'

Inbox and Junk probably get the most activity when it comes to deleting, so they should be compacted ona regular basis. I have serveral emails which I will delete daily, so those two fodler get compacted daily.

See info on: maintaining a healthy thunderbird.

compacting folder, what it does and why it is important.

Backup info:

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Thank you for the suggestion, but my problem turns out to be from a different cause. After a little investigation I realized that the messages remaining on the server were messages that I had moved to local folders rather than deleting.

I had assumed that deleting a message or moving it out of the inbox would cause Tbird to delete the message from the server. It turns out that the options for deleting messages on the server are actually as described: One must delete the message to have it automatically removed from the server. With the "leave messages on the server until I delete them" options, a message will be deleted from the server only after it is deleted from Tbird, either deleted within the inbox or deleted within a local folder.

Since I don't want my messages living on the server, but on some occasions temporarily switch to a laptop and would like to download recent messages to that laptop, I think what will work for me is to check both of the actions under "Leave messages on the server": for at most X days and until I delete them.

I think setting X to 7 will leave recent messages that I haven't deleted long enough for my purposes, but will prevent the server from getting clogged up with messages that I have moved to local folders.

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With a little thought and experimentation, solved as noted in my previous response.