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how can I remove subfolders from my Local Folders when no longer required?

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I created some special subfolders for a specific purpose but as the need for them has passed I no longer need them. The folders are currently empty. I would like to remove them from the Local Folders list to reduce the clutter on the screen, but there does not seem to be any way of doing this.

I created some special subfolders for a specific purpose but as the need for them has passed I no longer need them. The folders are currently empty. I would like to remove them from the Local Folders list to reduce the clutter on the screen, but there does not seem to be any way of doing this.

Chosen solution

Usually, the method Airmail offered works ok. or you can right click on folder and select 'Delete'.

If this is not working try the following. Profile folders are hidden files and folders, so make them visible:

In Thunderbird:

  • Help > Troubleshooting information
  • click on 'Show folder'

a new window opens showing your Profile folder.

  • Close Thunderbird now.
  • click on 'Mail' folder
  • click on 'Local Folders'

Look for the file with no extension and also the file with same name with .msf extension that has the same name as the folder you want to delete.

  • Right click on file and select 'Properties'
  • under 'Attrbutes', check it not checked as a 'read only'
  • click on Ok.
  • right click on those files and click on 'Delete'.
  • Close the window. - top right X
  • Open thunderbird.
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All Replies (6)

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Select the folder and press the delete key on your keyboard.

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Have you actually tried this? I tried it as soon as I read your reply and IT DOES NOTHING! Next time please don't just take a guess; try it yourself and make sure it works before you post!

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It works for me. Keep your crap attitude to yourself. I do not guess. I know how to work my computer and software. Fix your broken computer.

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Thanks for your advice but it doesn't work for me. Sorry if I upset you, but my "crap attitude" is because too many people give advice without bothering to see whether it works or not. Your advice does not work on my version of T'bird (24.5.0) on Win XP operating system. And I am not about to upgrade to Win 8 just to keep Micro$not happy. So I will just put up with the redundant folders.

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Chosen Solution

Usually, the method Airmail offered works ok. or you can right click on folder and select 'Delete'.

If this is not working try the following. Profile folders are hidden files and folders, so make them visible:

In Thunderbird:

  • Help > Troubleshooting information
  • click on 'Show folder'

a new window opens showing your Profile folder.

  • Close Thunderbird now.
  • click on 'Mail' folder
  • click on 'Local Folders'

Look for the file with no extension and also the file with same name with .msf extension that has the same name as the folder you want to delete.

  • Right click on file and select 'Properties'
  • under 'Attrbutes', check it not checked as a 'read only'
  • click on Ok.
  • right click on those files and click on 'Delete'.
  • Close the window. - top right X
  • Open thunderbird.
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No Delete appears when I right-click the folder. I wonder why it does in some versions and not others? However, the method via "troubleshooting" worked perfectly. Thanks.