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I want to empty the Trash file within Profiles >>Local Folders because it now is 1.5G

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  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

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The Trash file within: Profiles>(profile name.default)> Mail>Local Folders>Trash is now 1.5G. I would like to empty that file. I can't see how to do that without deleting the entire file.

The Trash file within: Profiles>(profile name.default)> Mail>Local Folders>Trash is now 1.5G. I would like to empty that file. I can't see how to do that without deleting the entire file.

Chosen solution

Sorry, I gave instruction on how to empty it assuming you had Thunderbird open and running.

But doing it via the actual profile folder, Exit Thunderbird before doing the following. Right click on 'Trash' and select 'Delete' Then do the same for 'Trash.msf'. Start Thunderbird

The Trash/Deleted folder will be auto created.

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All Replies (10)

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Right click on 'Trash' and select 'Empty Deleted'. Remember to compact folders - right click on eg: Inbox and select 'Compact'. This removes all hidden marked as deleted emails in that folder.

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Toad-Hall, That didn't solve my problem. Attached is a screenshot showing the folder I want to clean. It's labeled, "Trash" and it shows 1.54G of data. When I right-click it asks for a program to open it but if I go to Thunderbird, Thunderbird just opens a Write page.

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Chosen Solution

Sorry, I gave instruction on how to empty it assuming you had Thunderbird open and running.

But doing it via the actual profile folder, Exit Thunderbird before doing the following. Right click on 'Trash' and select 'Delete' Then do the same for 'Trash.msf'. Start Thunderbird

The Trash/Deleted folder will be auto created.

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Toad-Hall,

 I was reluctant to do that not knowing whether the folder would be re-created.

Thanks for taking the time to walk me through it!

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where do i find 'trash' and the 'Trash.msf' folder? thanks

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mdbiker:

Usually you can empty the Trash within Thunderbird. Right click on 'Trash' and select 'Empty Deleted'.

If this is not possible due to perhaps a corrupted Trash folder, you can manually remove the folder and upon restarting Thunderbird, it will create a new fresh one.

re where do i find 'trash' and the 'Trash.msf' folder?

They are in the Profile folders. In Thunderbird

  • Help > Troubleshooting Information
  • click on 'Open Folder' button

A new window opens showing contents of 'Profile name' folder.

  • Exit Thunderbird now.
  • Click on 'Mail' folder
  • click on 'Local Folders' folder
  • Locate and delete 'Trash' (no extension) mbox file and also the index file called 'Trash.msf'.
  • Start Thunderbird
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Trash folder needs to be emptied their is no empty folder line

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dschwalbe Full instructions are already mentioned in previous comments. Follow the instructions to delete the 'Trash' file.

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There is no way on the new format to empty the Trash folder with out deleting each entry by itself which when you have 655 entries would take all day and Thunderbird/Mozilla refuses any solutions as all their solutions are impossible to follow as none of the suggestions exist on the Thunderbird page that is downloaded on my computer

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dschwalbe What do you not understand about the solution? What is your problem with following the instructions?

re : none of the suggestions exist on the Thunderbird page This is not a helpful response as it fails to mention why you cannot locate 'Help' > 'Troubleshooting Information' in Thunderbird or whether there is another problem. It would also be helpful to post an image showing why you cannot follow these instructions.

I have rewritten all instructions again, but this time I've assumed you are not familar with what this means when you see it as instruction: 'Help' > 'Troubleshooting Information' I've also added some images as a guide.

Please do this:

  • Click on the Menu icon - icon has 3 horizontal lines image below.
  • Click on 'Help'
  • Click on 'Troubleshooting Information'
  • In the Applications Basics ' section, you will see a list and 'Profile Folder' is listed. Next to it is 'Open Folder' - click on 'Open folder'

A new window opens showing contents of 'Profile name' folder. See image as guide. It will contain a 'Mail' folder.

  • Exit Thunderbird now - this is important.
  • Click on 'Mail' folder
  • click on 'Local Folders' folder
  • Locate and delete 'Trash' (no extension) mbox file and also the index file called 'Trash.msf'.
  • Start Thunderbird