Outlook & Subfolder issues

Question

Outlook has generated multiple Subfolders in Outlook, Archive1,Archive11,Archive111, Drafts11111etc. On deleting they simply reappear. Tried reinstalling the MS365 suite but nothing changes. Gone into File -Options - Mail and the appropriate HTML options are set. I saw some advice from 2017 but wondered if there is any current advice please?

Answer 1

You're welcome!

Answer 2

Hi Diane

Many thanks for your time.

With regard to your query I do have an IMAP account. I need to sit down and work with my IT team on your constructive ideas. I will give you feedback from there.

Thanks again.

Tom

Answer 3

Hello Tom,

I'm Diane, a Microsoft 365 Apps & Services MVP and I'll try to help you today.

Do you have an IMAP account? This happens more often in IMAP but can happen in Exchange accounts too.

None of the things you tried so far will fix it... without seeing the 2017 suggestion, I can't say if that will either.

If using imap or Exchange - are the folders sync back to the server? If not, close Outlook and rename the data file. Outlook will resync what is on the server. The data file is at %localappdata%\microsoft\outlook

If some or all synced back, try restarting Outlook using the resetfolders switch to set outlook to use the correct folder.

Close Outlook. Right-click on the Start button and choose Run or press Windows key + R to open the Run command. Type or paste the following into the Open field and press Enter or click OK to restart Outlook. (There is a space before /.) This will reset the folder assignments to the default folders for the account and recreate any missing folders.

outlook.exe /resetfolders

Right click on the folder outlook is supposed to use (without the number) - is Delete folder grayed out? On the folders with the highest # - is Delete folder enabled?

Next, you need to remove the folders - based on the 1111's, you have too many to delete them manually from webmail - I have a script you can use to automate it in outlook.

See the code near the bottom to delete subfolders using wildcards - at https://www.slipstick.com/developer/outlook-delete-subfolders/

If the folders are at the same level as the inbox, you'll use this line in the script: $SubFolder = $Inbox.Parent.Folders | Where-Object {$_. Name -like "Drafts1*"}

If you use imap, I would probably run it on one set of folders - delete from outlook and from trash - then wait 15 minutes to do the second set. This gives the sync process time to sync all the changes.

-- Diane

Disclaimer: slipstick.com is a site I run as a Microsoft MVP and the content is much more accurate and relevant than a general internet search. While the site is in English, there are translations options under the search box.

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