Leaving a copy of messages on the mail server
(allows checking mail from multiple computers)

By default, when a POP3-based mail program such as one of those listed below checks for new messages and successfully retrieves all of them, it tells the POP3 mail server to delete them from the server.

Leaving a copy of messages on the mail server for a period of time allows you to retrieve the same messages on multiple computers (home, work, etc.).

IMPORTANT: If you choose to leave a copy of the messages on the mail server, you should also enable the option to remove the messages after a specified period of time--typically a few days--long enough to allow each of your computers to retrieve the same messages. If you leave the messages on the server indefinitely, your mailbox will eventually fill up and start rejecting new messages.

Microsoft Windows Live Mail, Windows Mail, Outlook Express, Outlook 2000

1. Click Tools then Accounts.
2. Double-click the mail profile you want to edit (or click once and click the Properties button).
3. Click on the Advanced tab.
   Leave a copy of messages on server
   Remove from server after ___ days
   Remove from server when deleted from 'Deleted Items'
4. Click OK.
5. Click Close.

Microsoft Outlook 2002, 2003, 2007

1. Outlook 2007: Click Tools then Account Settings.
   Outlook 2002/2003: Click Tools then E-mail Accounts.
2. Outlook 2002/2003: Select View or change existing e-mail accounts and click Next.
3. Double-click the mail profile you want to edit (or click once and click Change...)
4. Click the More Settings... button.
5. Click on the Advanced tab.
   Leave a copy of messages on server
   Remove from server after ___ days
   Remove from server when deleted from 'Deleted Items'
6. Click OK.
7. Click Next.
8. Click Finish.

Mozilla Thunderbird

1. Click Tools then Account Settings.
2. Click Server Settings under the mail profile you want to edit (on the left).
   Leave messages on server
   For at most ___ days
   Until I delete them
3. Click OK.

Apple Mail 2, 3

1. Click Mail then Preferences
2. Click Accounts.
3. Select the mail profile you want to edit (on the left).
4. Click the Advanced tab.
   Remove copy from server after retrieving a message:
   Right away (click for other options)