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My non-main-inbox open IMAP folders don't update when getting new messages

  • 4 replies
  • 2 have this problem
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  • Last reply by sfhowes

corwin-firefox
corwin-firefox
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I use Thunderbird to read mail from a number of IMAP servers (some gmail, some dovecot). I have many sub-folders into which mail is automatically sorted by the various IMAP servers.

I generally have a number of tabs open in my Thunderbird windows. However, tabs which are for folders which are not the main INBOX for an account never show new messages which come in once the tab was opened. Even if I hit the "get new messages" button, the INBOXs update, but noting else does.

The only way I can get the new messages is either to read an unread message in the folder in question, or to close and reopen the folder's tab. How do I get all of the tabs to automatically update with new messages just like the INBOX folder does?

I use Thunderbird to read mail from a number of IMAP servers (some gmail, some dovecot). I have many sub-folders into which mail is automatically sorted by the various IMAP servers. I generally have a number of tabs open in my Thunderbird windows. However, tabs which are for folders which are not the main INBOX for an account never show new messages which come in once the tab was opened. Even if I hit the "get new messages" button, the INBOXs update, but noting else does. The only way I can get the new messages is either to read an unread message in the folder in question, or to close and reopen the folder's tab. How do I get all of the tabs to automatically update with new messages just like the INBOX folder does?

Chosen solution

If you right-click a folder, Properties, is the 'When getting new messages...' box unchecked?

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All Replies (4)

sfhowes
sfhowes
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

If you right-click a folder, Properties, is the 'When getting new messages...' box unchecked?

corwin-firefox
corwin-firefox Question owner
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I didn't know that checkbox existed, and indeed it wasn't checked, and checking it seems to have solved my issue.

Thanks!

petitfiat
petitfiat
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Thanks, it is very helpful for one single folder. For general preferences, is there any setting to enable auto folder update for all the folders?

sfhowes
sfhowes
  • Top 10 Contributor
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petitfiat said

Thanks, it is very helpful for one single folder. For general preferences, is there any setting to enable auto folder update for all the folders?

Set mail.server.default.check_all_folders_for_new to true in Config. editor.

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Checking_for_new_messages_in_other_folders_-_Thunderbird