Deleting mail from server deletes it from Thunderbird
I had to do a clean install of Thunderbird after a HD crash. Since then, if I delete mail from the server it deletes it from my Thunderbird inbox. I have two accounts, both IMAP, both through ISPs rather than gmail or other webmail. I would like to know what settings I need to change to get Thunderbird to automatically download the emails off the server onto my computer, and so if they are deleted from the server they remain in my inbox.
I have message synchronizing turned on, to keep all folders from the accounts to save on the computer. It's set to do so regardless of age or size, and to not delete anything - but if it goes from the server, then it's immediately removed from my inbox.
Thank you in advance for any help offered.
All Replies (6)
That is how IMAP works. It is not a thunderbird setting. It is email standard. POP loads messages to your computer.
OK-doke, thank you. So how can I change it to POP? Just tell it to be POP?
You Google... Thunderbird IMAP to pop and you get this.
I... should have thought to do that. Sorry.
Thank you for your help. I hadn't seen anywhere that this was a key difference between POP and IMAP, which would have saved me from such difficulties.
The search function of Thunderbird Help screens is useless. Google or another 3rd party search is the way to go.
Hey you might also consider moving your emails to a thunderbird local folder to effectively move them off your email service and onto your device (specifically they would be in your thunderbird profile which it would then fall onto you to backup in case anything happened to your device) if POP is not an option with your mail provider.