Why Do Deleted Emails Keep Coming Back in Outlook?

Learn why deleted emails in Outlook keep reappearing and discover effective solutions to prevent this issue. Additionally, find out how Stellar Converter for OST can help resolve this persistent problem and enhance your email management experience.

Introduction

Email management is essential to maintain a clean and organized mailbox. It not only ensures better productivity but also helps reduce the size of your local Outlook data file (.ost), saving valuable storage space. Typically, when you delete an email in Outlook, it moves to the Deleted Items folder and is permanently removed after a set period based on your retention settings.

However, if deleted emails keep reappearing in your mailbox or their original folders, it can disrupt your workflow and make email management frustrating.

This article explains why deleted emails keep coming back in Outlook and provides solutions to fix this recurring issue effectively.

Common Reasons for Deleted Emails Coming Back in Outlook

Several factors could cause deleted emails to reappear in Outlook. The most common ones include:

•         Inconsistent or Corrupt OST File: Errors or inconsistencies in the Outlook data file (.ost) can cause issues with syncing deleted emails.
•         Improper Email Retention Settings: Misconfigured retention policies may restore deleted emails to your folders.
•         Automatic Email Archiving: If not configured properly, archiving can move older emails back into your mailbox.
•         Email Rules or Filter Conflicts: Incorrect rules or conflicts in settings may cause deleted emails to reappear.
•         Faulty Add-ins: Incompatible or buggy add-ins can interfere with email deletion processes.

Solutions to Fix Deleted Emails Reappearing in Outlook

1. Enable the “Empty Deleted Items Folders When Exiting Outlook” Option

This feature ensures that deleted emails are permanently removed when you close Outlook. Follow these steps:

1. Open Outlook and go to File > Options.
2. Navigate to the Advanced tab.
3. Under the Outlook Start and Exit section, check the box for “Empty Deleted Items folders when exiting Outlook.”
4. Click OK to save your changes.

Now, when you delete emails and close Outlook, they will not reappear.

2. Disable Faulty Add-Ins

Add-ins can sometimes interfere with the normal functioning of Outlook. To disable them:

1. Close Outlook.
2. Press Windows + R, type Outlook /safe, and click OK to start Outlook in Safe Mode.
3. Check if deleted emails stop reappearing in Safe Mode. If they do, the issue is likely caused by add-ins.
4. Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
5. Under the Manage COM Add-ins section, click Go.
6. Uncheck all listed add-ins and click OK.
7. Restart Outlook normally.

If this resolves the issue, re-enable add-ins one by one to identify the problematic one. Once found, disable or remove it permanently.

3. Clear the Recoverable Items Folder

The Recoverable Items folder retains deleted items temporarily, which may cause them to reappear. Use the following PowerShell command to clear this folder:

1. Close Outlook and open PowerShell as an administrator.
2. Run the following command (customize parameters as needed):

Search-Mailbox -Identity “YourEmailIdentity” -SearchDumpsterOnly -TargetMailbox “Discovery Search Mailbox” -TargetFolder “NameOf-RecoverableItems-Folder” -DeleteContent

3. Ensure to back up your mail items before executing the command. Once done, check your Outlook folders to confirm the issue is resolved.

4. Recreate the OST File

If the OST file is corrupt or inconsistent, recreating it can fix the issue. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + R, type %LOCALAPPDATA%MicrosoftOutlook, and press Enter.
2. Locate your OST file and copy it to a safe location for backup.
3. Delete the original OST file.
4. Restart Outlook. A new OST file will be created, and it will synchronize your emails with the server.

If emails are missing after the OST file is recreated, use Stellar Converter for OST to recover them. Convert the backup OST file to PST format and import it into your new Outlook profile to restore missing emails.

Conclusion

The issue of deleted emails reappearing in Outlook can be a frustrating experience. By understanding the underlying reasons and implementing the solutions outlined above, you can address this problem and improve your email management process.

To ensure seamless recovery of mail items, use Stellar Converter for OST. This powerful tool converts inaccessible or corrupt OST files to PST format, enabling you to restore missing emails and eliminate the reappearance of deleted ones. It also supports exporting to Microsoft 365 and Live Exchange Server, making it an essential addition to your email management toolkit.

With these steps, you can maintain an organized, clutter-free mailbox and enhance your productivity in Outlook.