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

When I clear the messages from my providers mail box the messages are also deleted from the inbox on my computer. How do I stop this from happening

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 8 views
  • Last reply by dickras

more options

I get a message from my service provider to advise me that my mail box is full and generally I log into the providers mail area and clear my box. I now have a new computer with Thunderbird installed however when I clear my mail in the providers mail area it also deletes the messages from the inbox on my computer. How do I stop the messages on my computer from being deleted. Thanks

I get a message from my service provider to advise me that my mail box is full and generally I log into the providers mail area and clear my box. I now have a new computer with Thunderbird installed however when I clear my mail in the providers mail area it also deletes the messages from the inbox on my computer. How do I stop the messages on my computer from being deleted. Thanks

Chosen solution

That is how IMAP email works. Make folders under the Thunderbird Local Folders account and move messages you want to keep there. Messages in the Local Folders account are on your computer. Messages in folders of an IMAP account are on your providers server. If you delete them at the server or on your computer they are gone everywhere.

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (3)

more options

Chosen Solution

That is how IMAP email works. Make folders under the Thunderbird Local Folders account and move messages you want to keep there. Messages in the Local Folders account are on your computer. Messages in folders of an IMAP account are on your providers server. If you delete them at the server or on your computer they are gone everywhere.

more options

Thanks for the help

more options

Thanks for your help