The only way I can think of is to create a filter that Detaches attachments from the messages in a folder. Detaching deletes from the message and saves to an external directory. To add "Detach" or Save to the filter actions, install FiltaQuilla: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/addon/filtaquilla/ http://chrisramsden.vfast.co.uk/3_How_to_install_Add-ons_in_Thunderbird.html http://kb.mozillazine.org/Filters_(Thunderbird)