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using TB for as a backup for gmail

fmallo
fmallo
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I am using TB as a backup for gmail. My gmail account is reaching the limits in storage capacity. I want to permanently delete old emails in gmail so I reduce the size in my gmail account. The problem is that if I delete them in gmail it will end up deleted in TB too. Any way to avoid this?

I am using TB as a backup for gmail. My gmail account is reaching the limits in storage capacity. I want to permanently delete old emails in gmail so I reduce the size in my gmail account. The problem is that if I delete them in gmail it will end up deleted in TB too. Any way to avoid this?

All Replies (2)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
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You're right: IMAP accounts mirror your changes between Thunderbird and the server.

You can try copying messages from the IMAP folders to "Local" folders. These form a separate hierarchy outside of the IMAP folders. You might test with something that isn't critical to make sure those messages stay safe.

Of course, make sure to back up your Local folders (to disk, cloud, etc.).

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Also, you need to make sure that what you have in Thunderbird is the whole message including the body and not just the message headers. A Thunderbird expert could describe how to make sure of that.