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Why isn't there a simple way to see my IMAP local folders in the same pane as the rest of my folders?

  • 11 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 7 views
  • Last reply by Jim_Oak

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Synchronizing folders does not work. My server and local folders are synchronized. Opening my profile folder does not work. Switching to offline view does not work. Do I have to manually make copies of all my folders, then copy or export or whatever tech term you use, to the local folders? I want to see my IMAP folders and my local folders in the same, left-hand, folder view. Why is this so difficult? I know you volunteers work hard, and I thank you, but this question is not answered plainly anywhere.

Synchronizing folders does not work. My server and local folders are synchronized. Opening my profile folder does not work. Switching to offline view does not work. Do I have to manually make copies of all my folders, then copy or export or whatever tech term you use, to the local folders? I want to see my IMAP folders and my local folders in the same, left-hand, folder view. Why is this so difficult? I know you volunteers work hard, and I thank you, but this question is not answered plainly anywhere.

All Replies (11)

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You have given no details.

Provider? Version of Thunderbird?

Maybe a screen shot?

For the vast majority of us, this "just works" and no special "techie" stuff is needed.

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Maybe go to the File Menu and Subscribe to the folders you want to see?

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Thank you. Don't even know what "subscribe to" means in this context. Maybe the new local Inbox will contain all the others?

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Thank you also, Zenos. Please see above reply for version.

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It is as simple as the fact IMAP can not be stored in local folders. While the subject is incredibly dense and complex the reality is it is simply not practical to "merge" folders from an IMAP account with anything else.

If IMAP does not suit you, why use it? The POP protocol will download new mail to your inbox and you can store it anywhere you like. The limitations on IMAP (Synchronization) do not have any effect on POP mail accounts.

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I want to use IMAP because of its universal accessibility, better security, and other features. It's only natural to want local copies. Do you trust someone else to hold your important docs? If you trust the cloud, you risk getting rained on. Too bad it's technically not possible to download IMAP messages. Thanks for taking the time to answer.

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Have you tried View|Folders|Unified?

Alternatively you can set up one or more Message Filters to move or copy messages from the IMAP account into the Local Folders account.

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Wayne -- Thanks, but not close. The question was about seeing the contents of my LOCAL folders.

Zenos -- Sounds like it might work. I hope I don't have to filter each folder separately, but I suspect it does. Let's see.

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I dont see any folders under LOCAL do you mean folders under your Verizon IMAP account? If so you should be able to subscribe to those folders.

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Thanks. I did subscribe. Didn't go to local folders.