When you don't empty the e-mail Trash folder, it takes up excess space on the server, and can contribute to a slow down in e-mail performance. Emptying your e-mail Trash folder should be routine maintenance. The Trash folder is not the place to store messages, “just in case” you might ever need them again. If there is any chance you may need an e-mail message at a later date, store it in a local archive folder. (Call the Help Desk at x5418 if you need help creating a local folder.)

Webmail provides a monthly maintenance option, IF you check “All messages in your "trash" folder older than 30 days will be permanently deleted.” and click on: “Perform routine maintenance.” when it appears the first time you login each month. (Please do not select “Skip Maintenance.” It takes very little time to perform this important function.

But, what if you don't routinely use Webmail? Here are some other options for the most common e-mail clients used on campus:

Thunderbird

• Click on the Tools menu and select “Account Settings”.
• Under each of the Accounts you have setup, click on the “Server Settings”.
• Check off, “Empty Trash on Exit”.
• This works the same on both Mac and Windows.

Entourage on a Mac

• Click on the Tools menu and Select “Accounts”.
• Click on your Hampshire e-mail account and click on the “Edit” button at the top.
• In the window that appears, click on the “Advanced” tab across the top.
• In the “Delete Options” section, select, “Move messages to the 'Deleted Items' folder.”
• Also check, “Empty 'Deleted Items' folder on quit.” You may also choose the number of days you want to keep messages in the Trash folder. Please do not enter more than 30 days.

Mail on a Mac

• Click on the Mail menu, and choose “Preferences”.
• Click on “Accounts”.
• In the left hand pane of the window, make sure the account you are using is selected.
• Click on the “Mailbox Behaviors” tab.
• Check “Move deleted messages to the Trash mailbox. Uncheck (if checked) “Store deleted messages on the server.
• Choose the amount of time to “Permanently erase deleted messages when:”

If you use a different e-mail client, or these directions do not work in the version you are using, please contact the Help Desk for further assistance. (x5418 or e-mail: helpdesk@hampshire.edu)