Want to keep emails longer on local computer using Thunderbird

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PSLog

291 posts

Ultimate Geek

#290352 5-Nov-2021 14:09

Can I ask this here?

I'm using Thunderbird, Gmail and IMAP.

My emails get deleted from my local computer after 3 months. That's too soon for me.
Still available on server though.

I can't find a setting that has any effect on this.
Below are my settings.

"Synchronization and Storage"

"Message Synchronising" - Keep messages for all folder for this account on this computer.
"Disk Space" - Synchronize all messages locally regardless of age.
- Don't delete any messages.

Any suggestions?

askelon

862 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#2808074 5-Nov-2021 15:13

Pretty sure you just have it set to "sync all messages locally regardless of age" and "dont delete any messages" and that should do it.. Thats all Ive ever used - I used Thunderbird for many years with a google workspace account and it always synced the lot. Have just set it back up on the latest version and its syncing everything (and seems to have an option to sync contacts/calendars now rather than buggering around with faulty plugins - havent tested it though).

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PSLog

291 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2808094 5-Nov-2021 15:29

Thanks Askelon

Well that is what I have got set:

"Message Synchronising" - Keep messages for all folder for this account on this computer.
"Disk Space" - Synchronize all messages locally regardless of age.
- Don't delete any messages.

The first option "Keep messages ...." would just reinforce these settings.

Not sure why messages older then 3 months are being deleted.

askelon

862 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#2808103 5-Nov-2021 15:36

I just took a look at mine once it had synced.. Def showing me all my emails in my inbox plus all my folders. I have noticed it doesnt download folders by default though. I could be wrong on that and just not have waited long enough.

What version of TB are you running? I have just loaded the latest 91.3.0 and it seems to just be set right. Might be worthwhile trying a new profile and adding it all in again and seeing what it does? https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/using-multiple-profiles

And I can confirm the latest version does add google calendars / contacts - which was always a big issue with me with plugins breaking from not being updated etc.

wellygary

8193 posts

Uber Geek

#2808104 5-Nov-2021 15:38

PSLog:

Not sure why messages older then 3 months are being deleted.

Is there a retention policy set??

http://write.flossmanuals.net/thunderbird/useful-tips-and-tricks/

Right click on the email folder for which you want to set up a retention property, and then click Properties from the menu that appears.
The Folder Properties window opens.
Click the Retention Policy tab.

Dratsab

3946 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2808114 5-Nov-2021 15:56

I have a storage location set up on a NAS and have pointed to it in Thunderbird. Received emails get moved (right click and select move) to their relevant folder once I've read through, and taken any action that might be needed, if they're something I want to keep. Otherwise I simply delete them. I don't need to bother with a retention policy doing things this way.

Gordy7

1880 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#2808131 5-Nov-2021 16:28

I have a standard install of Thunderbird and I have many local folders located on my D: data drive.... not the C: system drive.

I use Gmail and Imap.

I manually move mail that I want to keep from my inbox and sent folders to my local folders.

I have mail in my local folders going back over 5 years... I don't appear to have lost any mail.

Gordy

My first ever AM radio network connection was with a 1MHz AM crystal(OA91) radio receiver.

PSLog

291 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2808133 5-Nov-2021 16:30

wellygary:
PSLog:

Not sure why messages older then 3 months are being deleted.

Is there a retention policy set??

http://write.flossmanuals.net/thunderbird/useful-tips-and-tricks/

Right click on the email folder for which you want to set up a retention property, and then click Properties from the menu that appears.

The Folder Properties window opens.

Click the Retention Policy tab.

Yes - Retention policy is "Delete after 800 days"

PSLog

291 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2808141 5-Nov-2021 16:42

@Askelon
I'm using 91.2.1 but this has been a problem for months - I'm just finally getting around to addressing it now.

Gordy7

1880 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#2808213 5-Nov-2021 21:08

How many computers are you using with Thunderbird?

It would seem that there are 2 methods of handling mail folder storage with Thunderbird.

1. Server folders with a mirror on local computers which requires the use and config of Sync, Storage and Retention.

2. Local folders on your main computer (which I use) and moving inbox and sent mail to the local folders. No Sync, storage and retention settings are required.

My 2 cents worth 😀

Gordy

My first ever AM radio network connection was with a 1MHz AM crystal(OA91) radio receiver.

PSLog

291 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2808291 6-Nov-2021 06:57

Ahh! Thanks Gordy7.
That could well be the problem.
I have a notebook that also accesses Gmail (although very infrequently) and the retention policy was not the same as on the desktop.

I have made them the same and will see what happens now.

Thanks for the suggestion.