how do I automatically delete old messages from the server without deleting the local messages as well
I go to accountsettings, and find synchronisation and storage. There I can choose to automatically delete messages older than e.g. 60 days. But there is says, it deletes the messages permanently from the server and the local ones. I would like to only delete them from the server after 60 days, but leave them locally. Is this not possible? Could I maybe move them to a map using a filter, where they won't be automatically deleted? I searched in the database, but could not find the answer, I found screenshots of a different menu than I have, where you could check delete messages from server after x days, but in my version (dutch) it only says the messages will be deleted both locally and from the server.
Chosen solution
re :synchronisation and storage.
As you mention 'synchronisation and storage', this tells me you are using IMAP. IMAP mail accounts show a remote version of whatever is on the server. Imap folders are synchronised with server folders so they are in effect one and the same. Emails are stored on the server.
If you delete an email either via webmail, or another imap mail account on another computer or via Thunderbird, then it is deleted off server and all folders on all computers will show this view. This is not some weird quirk, it is how all imap mail accounts work.
If you want to delete emails off server, but keep copies in Thunderbird, then you need to synchronise folders for offline use to get a copy in Thunderbird and then right click on email and select 'Copy to' and select a folder in 'Local Folders' mail account. 'Local Folders' mail account does not synch with any server, those emails are stored on your computer and therefore you would need to be responsible for a backup. Then you can delete the email in the imap folder and it will get deleted off server.
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Chosen Solution
re :synchronisation and storage.
As you mention 'synchronisation and storage', this tells me you are using IMAP. IMAP mail accounts show a remote version of whatever is on the server. Imap folders are synchronised with server folders so they are in effect one and the same. Emails are stored on the server.
If you delete an email either via webmail, or another imap mail account on another computer or via Thunderbird, then it is deleted off server and all folders on all computers will show this view. This is not some weird quirk, it is how all imap mail accounts work.
If you want to delete emails off server, but keep copies in Thunderbird, then you need to synchronise folders for offline use to get a copy in Thunderbird and then right click on email and select 'Copy to' and select a folder in 'Local Folders' mail account. 'Local Folders' mail account does not synch with any server, those emails are stored on your computer and therefore you would need to be responsible for a backup. Then you can delete the email in the imap folder and it will get deleted off server.
Thank you!
Thank you, Toad-Hall - this isn't easy but at least it's an answer. I didn't understand the "double-deletion" synchronization and I lost a lot of information when my local Inbox emptied. Is there any way to retrieve them?
JackieHarrell re :I didn't understand the "double-deletion" synchronization and I lost a lot of information when my local Inbox emptied. Is there any way to retrieve them?
This query has already been marked as solved. I would suggest you create your own question as it relates to lost emails. BTW : if you repond in someone elses question you are sending them an email. I also got the email as I had accidentally failed to stop following this question. If you post a new question, then more people will get to see it.