Cannot Delete Folders

Question

Windows 10 Pro. Version 20H2. Build 19042.804 - Microsoft Office 365 Version 18.2205.1091.0

I am looking for advice on how to Delete subfolders in Outlook 365.

I work from home (no option to work from office). I added a work email account to my Microsoft 365 Home, Outlook,

Later, I wanted to Import some folders from a PST file as subfolders of the Root folder of Outlook (no email account here). I must have overlooked setting the path to Import. The subfolders were imported to my Work Account in error.

I am unable to delete the erroneous imported subfolders...

When I select the subfolder, right click and select Delete Folder, the subfolder is removed from the folder list and appears in the Deleted Items folder.

Within a few seconds, the original subfolder name and contents reappears in the folder list, if watching the screen it is possible to see the subfolder list adjust to make room for the deleted subfolder to reappear! The Deleted Folder is still shown in the Deleted Items folder.

I have tried deleting contents, then deleting the erroneously imported subfolder. The subfolder still reappears in the foder list complete with contents.

I am unable to see the erroneous imported subfolders when logged in to my work Microsoft 365 account.

Our Administrator is unable to see the erroneous imported subfolders, and has suggested the Outlook profile is corrupted. I have created a new Outlook profile on several occasions without change to this problem.

More recently, a fault occurred resulting in replacing the HD. I have rebuilt the software profile, including installing Microsoft 365 and setting up my work account. A NEW Outlook Profile setup. NO files were imported from the former PST file. I.E. a clean installation.

I can still see the erroneous imported files in my work account...

I am looking for advice on how to remove the erroneously imported folders.

Any advice gratefully recieved

C

Answer 1

Update...

I have found this problem (Not Able to Delete Folders/SubFolders in Outlook) was caused by the Folder (Target for Deletion) being subscribed to the folder on the local machine.

To be able to delete the Folder/Subfolder, the Target Folder MUST be Unsubscribed:

1. Right click the Inbox (of the account containing the folder for deletion)
2. Left click IMAP Folders
3. Select the Subscribed tab
4. Left click Query in the options on the right (Show a list of folders including the offending subfolders)
5. Left click the subfolder(s) for deletion to highlight
6. Left click Unsubscribe
7. Left click OK

It has been over a day since carrying out the steps and so far the problem is resolved.

Best Regards

C

Answer 2

Hello CyberTrash,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

I appreciate you taking your time to post a detailed post like this. I understand how frustrating this can be and we try our best top narrow down this issue to understand what maybe the cause of the issue.

Firstly kindly share detailed screenshot of the folder properties as shown on the screenshots below:

 

Kindly run Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant and check if you get information on this from the diagnosis.

Also please check with your administrator if you have a retention policy or any retention tags that may be restricting you from deleting the folders.

We are looking forward to your reply. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Simbarashe | Microsoft Community Moderator

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Answer 3

Hello CyberTrash,

Is there any update from your side?

Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Sincerely,

Simbarashe | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 4

Hello Simbarashe,

Thank you for sparing time to respond to my request for assistance.

I wonder... Which Property Box are you referring to..? There are Properties for each subfolder. I ask, as the properties for the Deleted Items folder in the Work Account look very different to that shown in your message; see below:

![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/b14582d7-d007-4d1f-b7cc-12438d593082?platform=QnA"https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/c4938764-6970-4dfe-bf37-74777a865b9f?platform=QnA" rel="ugc nofollow">![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/c4938764-6970-4dfe-bf37-74777a865b9f?platform=QnA

Answer 5

Hi CyberTrash,

Thank you for the update and sharing the resolution with us. I believe this will help other community members as well.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Simbarashe | Microsoft Community Moderator