Unable to empty mailbox

[Keith C]

Keep recieving loads of mail returned notices in my mailbox and although I clear them they all reapear next time I check my mail.

Am having to check my mail on mail to web site as outlook express is tottally choked.

This has gone on now for approx 2 years and although I've taken the computer to the experts and also advised Virgin of the problem I still cannot clear the mailbox.

All suggestions welcome.

 

[boundless]

Both Outlook and Outlook Express can "choke" on on a single item of indigestible E-mail. Usually a spam piece with multiple designated recipients. This then arrests their already rather limited ability to intelligently download and properly delete further mail from the server. Result:gridlock or even worse:endless repeats of regurgitated e-mails.

I've had this a few times now. Use a pukkah E-mail client from now on like Thunderbird or Eudora and you'll bypass this type of problem. Alternatively enquire if your ISP has a "webmail" facility for checking and deleting mail directly via your browser for the occasional irrigation when it's needed...most now do offer this.

 

[trotsky]

I'd go with Boundless on this - get Eudora from http://www.eudora.com/ and use it in "Light" mode. This takes away some silly bells and whistles (and pops up a message every couple of weeks saying "you sure you don't want to pay for bells and whistles") but it just works.

There is also a new mail client from the Mozilla people, Thunderbird, which will be fine if Firefox is anything to go by. It didn't suck in my heaps of Eudora mail cleanly so I haven't used it.

 

[exeter_lad]

What e-mail client are you using on your PC and who is your e-mail provider?

Don't mean to sound insulting, but there is an option in Outlook Express (Tools/Accounts/Properties/Advanced) for you decide if you want the e-mail left on the server. If this is set incorrectly, then your POP3 mail may just keep downloading the emails over and over again.

Alternatively, if it is a hotmail account there is an option in Outlook Express to synchronise the account - if not done the same could happen.