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My e-mail automatically deletes read e-mail in my inbox every 14 days without my permission. How do I get this to stop?

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I switched e-mail clients from windows live to thunderbird in mid december to alleviate problems in sending group e-mail. I have thunderbird on a different laptop and the product works flawlessly. The client works flawlessly with one exception: It automatically deletes any read e-mail in my inbox every 14 days without any input from me. I have had ITOK & Hughes.net look at the problem as I am using my inbox as a staging area for for pending business that tracks progress of different events. I have checked settings and there are no evident features that I can switch on or off with that time frame. This has occurred 3 times since December and I have resorted to printing e-mails to prevent loss of data.

The desktop uses windows 7, IMAP for incoming mail...

I switched e-mail clients from windows live to thunderbird in mid december to alleviate problems in sending group e-mail. I have thunderbird on a different laptop and the product works flawlessly. The client works flawlessly with one exception: It automatically deletes any read e-mail in my inbox every 14 days without any input from me. I have had ITOK & Hughes.net look at the problem as I am using my inbox as a staging area for for pending business that tracks progress of different events. I have checked settings and there are no evident features that I can switch on or off with that time frame. This has occurred 3 times since December and I have resorted to printing e-mails to prevent loss of data. The desktop uses windows 7, IMAP for incoming mail...

All Replies (8)

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From the Menu Bar select Tools-Account Settings-Server Settings

Do you have it checked to leaves messages on the server for 14 days? If so change that.

No menu bar with tools showing? Press the Alt key.

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I do not have that option under server settings.

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Under syncronization and storage, that is the only option i can change storage options, and I have the don't delete and keep starred messages checked. Neither setting is doing what is indicated...

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I wasn't sure if that option was available for IMAP. I only have POP but the 14 days sounded like that was the issue.

Are you sure that your provider does not have any retention options since these files reside on their server?

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I spent an hour on the phone with Hughes and they claim it's not their problem. I suspect that the IMAP may be the problem. Would changing my settings to POP3 alleviate the problem???

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Log into your account at the providers web mail page and look for any retention options that might be there. Do not put too much into what their help desk tells you. Most help desk agents are lucky to know that the ringing sound means to answer the phone.

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I appreciate your candor. I couldn't stop laughing after reading your reply! Thank you...

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I might be biased a little. Before I retired I maintained IT systems for a large call center. We were a 24/7 operation and had 1400 agents working there. 90% of them fit my description above.