How to Restore a Folder From an IMAP Mailbox

Using the IMAP protocol allows you to synchronize your email between the mail server, your computer, and smartphone.

The Post Office Protocol, or POP, and the Internet Message Access Protocol, or IMAP, are the two most prominent standard protocols for retrieving email. POP emails are downloaded to one computer and immediately removed from the mail server. IMAP is a slower alternative to POP, but it has the distinct advantage of storing all email messages on your Internet service provider's mail server. Storing messages on one central IMAP mail server allows you to sync your computer, smartphone, and other portable devices to ensure that you will always have the exact same emails on each device.

Instructions

1. Open your computer's local or browser-based email program and locate your mail client's toolbar.

2. Find the settings option for sending and receiving email. Here, you will define your sending and receiving groups.

3. Locate and select your IMAP email account's name in your mail client's sending and receiving options. This will reveal all of the settings associated with your IMAP email account.

4. Select the folders that you want to include when checking email, and select the option that allows you to download the complete item including attachments. Selecting this option will ensure that the folder contents are repopulated by the mail server.

5. Save all of the mail settings you changed and exit the IMAP settings menu.

6. Select your mail client's send and receive option to retrieve new mail and repopulate the deleted folder on your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Emails that are marked for deletion and appear with lines through them are recoverable.

• A deleted message that you have selected for permanent removal is not recoverable.

References

• Microsoft Office: Restore and remove deleted items from IMAP folders