Delete / Purge Messages

Follow these steps to delete and permanently remove old mail messages in Outlook:

1. Select the mail message(s) that you want to delete, and select Edit > Delete, or right-click on the message and choose Delete from the pull-down menu.
2. To permanently remove the message(s), select the message(s) then select Edit > Purge Deleted messages.

If you want to add a Purge Deleted Messages button to your toolbar, follow these steps:

1. Select Tools > Customize. The Customize dialog box appears.
2. Select the Commands tab. On the left side, select the Edit menu; on the right side select Purge Deleted Messages.
3. With Purge Deleted Messages selected, drag it where you want it to appear on your toolbar.
   
   
   
   To shorten the button name, right-click the button while the Customize dialog box is open. Next, type a shorter name like, Purge.

These steps are also available in an instructional video:

• Delete / Purge Messages Outlook Instructional Video - streaming 300k
• Delete / Purge Messages Outlook Instructional Video - download
  Rt+click (Win)

Note: Quicktime 7.0 or later required to view videos.

Last Updated: 12/11/07