Where did you install Firefox from? Help Mozilla uncover 3rd party websites that offer problematic Firefox installation by taking part in our campaign. There will be swag, and you'll be featured in our blog if you manage to report at least 10 valid reports!

Avatar for Username

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

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

What settings are required to automatically delete messages from outlook.com server as they are downloaded?

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by Edinburgh

Edinburgh
Edinburgh
more options

I'm changing e-mail addresses from @att.net as I will soon lose my ATT service. I chose @outlook.com instead but have found that messages I receive at that address do not delete from the server after they are downloaded and if I try and delete them there after I have downloaded them, that also deletes them from my computer! I have not had this problem with my att messages which delete automatically as I download them. I do note that the outlook server type is IMAP whereas all my att addresses are POP-3 and the options shown in Mozilla for that server type are different from the POP-3 ones. I've tried the "clean up (expunge) inbox on exit" but that doesn't do it. I don't want, or need, to leave the messages on the server after I have downloaded them - what settings do I need to change please?

I'm changing e-mail addresses from @att.net as I will soon lose my ATT service. I chose @outlook.com instead but have found that messages I receive at that address do not delete from the server after they are downloaded and if I try and delete them there after I have downloaded them, that also deletes them from my computer! I have not had this problem with my att messages which delete automatically as I download them. I do note that the outlook server type is IMAP whereas all my att addresses are POP-3 and the options shown in Mozilla for that server type are different from the POP-3 ones. I've tried the "clean up (expunge) inbox on exit" but that doesn't do it. I don't want, or need, to leave the messages on the server after I have downloaded them - what settings do I need to change please?

Chosen solution

Thats how IMAP works. You can think of it as a view into the servers folders. If you delete on server its gone, If you delete in your view its gone. if you also compact they are un-salvageable.

If you want to delete on server but not on your pc then either use POP3 or move messages to a folder under Local Folders. You could set up a filter to move them.

You should regularly compact your folders. That way deleted messages are finally removed (They are just marked as to be delete and don't show. when you think you delete them)

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (3)

Gnospen
Gnospen
more options

Chosen Solution

Thats how IMAP works. You can think of it as a view into the servers folders. If you delete on server its gone, If you delete in your view its gone. if you also compact they are un-salvageable.

If you want to delete on server but not on your pc then either use POP3 or move messages to a folder under Local Folders. You could set up a filter to move them.

You should regularly compact your folders. That way deleted messages are finally removed (They are just marked as to be delete and don't show. when you think you delete them)

Gnospen
Gnospen
more options

https://www.lifewire.com/outlook-pop-access-1170645 this one is better https://askleo.com/what_are_outlookcom_imap_pop3_and_smtp_settings/

Modified by Gnospen

Edinburgh
Edinburgh Question owner
more options

These appear to answer my question, thank you!