Standard computer selection methods work control+a = selects all click on item 1, move up or down several items and hold the shift key while clicking item 2 = selects items 1 and 2 and all in between hold the control key while clicking random items = selects any item clicked on hold the control key while clicking a selected item = deselect that item Right click the Trash folder and select Empty Trash. Be sure to Compact folders regularly after deleting several items. This will tell you about compacting folders. http://kb.mozillazine.org/Thunderbird_:_Tips_:_Compacting_Folders