This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Thunderbird is clearing items off the e-mail server when I delete them. I do not want them deleted from server.

  • 3 majibu
  • 1 ana tatizo hili
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

more options

How do I prevent Thunderbird from ever deleting from my server

'''How do I prevent Thunderbird from ever deleting from my server'''

Chosen solution

Yes, the folder in Thunderbird constantly synchs with server to update the server and vice versa. IMAP accounts all work this way, so that no matter how you view your emails on the server whether by any email client, webmail - you see the same results.

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (3)

more options

Are you using a POP or IMAP mail account?

If POP: Check you account settings. Tools > Account Settings > Server Settings for pop mail account or Right click on mail account name in folder pane and select 'Settings' then Server Settings for pop mail account.

Select: 'leave messages on server' Do not select either of these: 'For at most xx days' 'Until I delete them'

Click on 'Disc space' Select; Don't delete any messages' Select: 'Always keep starred messages'

click on OK to save and close Account Settings.


If IMAP: You see a remote view of folders on the server. So the folders in Thunderbird and the folders you see via webmail using a browser are one in the same. When you delete in Thunderbird or via webmail you are deleting off the server.


Did this info help?

more options

It is helpful,but my server is IMAP From what you said I cannot delete from Thunderbird because that will delete from my server and I have no other option. Is that correct?

more options

Suluhisho teule

Yes, the folder in Thunderbird constantly synchs with server to update the server and vice versa. IMAP accounts all work this way, so that no matter how you view your emails on the server whether by any email client, webmail - you see the same results.