Outlook problem with deleting folders

moneypooh

I often sort out emails into folders in Outlook without any problems, however I can't delete these sub-folders now and I don't know why.

I can delete the emails within but then not the actual empty folder itself. I get the message that I cannot delete the folder as the folder is full. I have checked admin properties and nothing has changed.

Can anyone shed any light as to what I could try as I've loads of empty folders that I can't get rid off.

thanks

juliand

What version of Outlook have you got (Outlook 2003, Outlook 2007, Outlook 2010, Outlook Express)?
also ...
What type of Email account to you use? Is it a company "Exchange Server" or are you simply using a POP3 mailbox from your ISP?

moneypooh

Outlook 2007 with a simnple POP3 from my Sky account.
This only started a couple of days ago, I coule delete folders before then, which is why is a bit confusing as I don't think I've changed anything.

I have tried to move them to archive, where I can delete stuff BUT the original copy stays in current.

juliand

Did you check the permissions by right clicking on the folder? That is the obvious one ... Make sure you have full administrator rights before deleting

Here are some other things to try:

There is a utility called scanPST - you can download from Microsoft, if the mailbox data structure is corrupted you may just have to repair it.

office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/scan-and-repair-corrupted-outlook-data-files-HA010075831.aspx

did you upgrade at any point in time from Outlook 2003 or 2000 ? pst files created in thos Outlloks were restricted to about 1.4 GB. If you create a new pst file in Outlook 2007 it has a larger size limit, although experience tells me that anything past 1.6 gb does start causing problems and you should try and keep it low. You should check the total file size of your .pst file (its in tools/account settings/data files). Anything over 1.4GB can cause problems. If that is the case - try creating a new Pst file and moving your folders into it. That should fix it.

When you right click the folder do you see something that says "Clear Offline Items" ? If so ... clear them .... and try again.

moneypooh

I have been using this outlook from day 1 and haven't had any problems at all until a coupl of days ago. I've checked all the obvious things.
I can delete from archive but not my current files.

juliand

If you have tried the other things I mentioned, then I think the only other option is to create a new PST file, move all your emails into it, and delete the current pst file you are using.

Create a new pst file, and copy all emails into it. You will have to create the folder structure again.

Only when you have successfully moved your email/contacts calandar etc to your new pst file then:

On the File menu, click Data File Management.
Select the .pst that is damaged, and then click Remove.
Click Add, select Personal Folders File (.pst), click OK, and then select the .pst file you want to use as the new primary file.
Click OK.

In that way you are starting from scratch and everything should be ok.

office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/repair-an-ost-or-pst-file-in-outlook-HA001056300.aspx
superuser.com/questions/55979/outlook-re-install-remove-the-new-pst-file