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When I delete an email it goes to Trash but that folder now clears such deletions far too frequently

  • 3 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 17 views
  • Last reply by Peter Gaze

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My Trash folder used to work just fine. Now it does not hold my deleted emails for more than a day

My Trash folder used to work just fine. Now it does not hold my deleted emails for more than a day

Chosen solution

If you exit thunderbird each day and you have a setting to empty the trash on exit, then this may explain what is happening.

  • Right click on mail account in Folder Pane and select: 'Settings'
  • Select : 'Server Settings' for the account

Under 'Message Storage' section..

  • uncheck 'Empty Deleted folder on Exit'
  • click on 'OK'
Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (3)

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Chosen Solution

If you exit thunderbird each day and you have a setting to empty the trash on exit, then this may explain what is happening.

  • Right click on mail account in Folder Pane and select: 'Settings'
  • Select : 'Server Settings' for the account

Under 'Message Storage' section..

  • uncheck 'Empty Deleted folder on Exit'
  • click on 'OK'

Modified by Toad-Hall

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Another possibility is the 'Retention Policy' settings. This can be set in Account Settings or on that folder.

Check Account Settings:

  • Right click on mail account in Folder Pane and select: 'Settings'

If this is a POP mail account:

  • Select 'Disc Space' for the account.

If this is an Imap mail account:

  • Select: 'Synchronisation & Storage'

Under the 'Disc Space' section

  • Select 'Don't Delete any messages'
  • Select checkbox 'Alwaya keep starred messages'
  • click on 'OK'


See if the folder has a different Retention Policy to Account Settings:

  • Right click on the Trash/Deleted folder and select 'Properties'
  • Select the 'Retention Policy' tab
  • Select checkbox 'Use my account Settings'
  • click on 'OK'
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Toad-Hall said

If you exit thunderbird each day and you have a setting to empty the trash on exit, then this may explain what is happening.
  • Right click on mail account in Folder Pane and select: 'Settings'
  • Select : 'Server Settings' for the account
Under 'Message Storage' section..
  • uncheck 'Empty Deleted folder on Exit'
  • click on 'OK'

Many thanks - so simple when you know!