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

I should add, Unsubscribing folders will NOT Delete the folders but will make the folder ready to Delete in the usual way (Right click on the folder, left click Delete Folder from the menu)