IMAP vs POP3

[trussman]

We recently changed ISP's to, well I would rather not say. Since the change they are having us use IMAP instead of POP3. Apparently IMAP is much better at syncing with the webmail server than with POP3.

Now the biggest problems I see with using IMAP is you cannot create subfolders. For example:
Inbox
- Distributor
- XYZ Supply
- John

When using POP3 you could subfolder upon subfolder. Has anyone been working with IMAP know a way to create such a system? If you cannot create subfolders, you will potentially hundreds of individual folders. This is not good for organization.

Also, the other problem is the time received display is incorrect in Outlook. For example, my Outlook will do a Send/Receive and I will see the email arrive at 12:00 noon, then after a few seconds the time will change to 5:00pm. Is there a setting in Outlook to change this?

Apparently our ISP is new to using IMAP and they do not have the answers to our questions.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[JockMullin]

Hi, Trussman

When you are looking at the folders on the IMAP server, those folders reside on that server, and you are correct, you cannot create a hierarchical folder tree there.

You can however create additional folders at the same level as the inbox, though not subordinate to it (at least on the servers I use, such as Hotmail).

If you want to continue/establish a hierarchical tree like you are used to, do it within the local PST file. For example, within "Outlook Today" create a folder with the ISP name and then create the subfolder structure you want below that. Then you can drag and drop messages from the IMAP inbox into the folders you have created locally.

I prefer it like that anyway because then the important messages are available even when offline.

Regarding the date thing, are you sure your timezone setting is correct. It sounds like you might be configured to use GMT, and if you are in the Eastern time zone that would explain the 5 hr difference when the time gets translated.

Jock

 

[smah]

Different imap servers have different functionality about this. As you've found, some do not allow a heirarcal structure below the inbox.

 

[trussman]

Hi JockMullin,

Thanks for the info. I will have to look into the Outlook Today and see if I can set that up. Now my question to that is, can I set a rule to automatically move the email to that subfolder? Or do those only work within the Inbox?

I think you are right about the timezone. We are Central, and our ISP did say something about it reverting to GMT. But they are not sure how to change that. Any thoughts on where I can change it?

 

[JockMullin]

Hi. Trussman

Firstly we need to know the exact environment - what version of Outlook, do have a mail server between you and the ISP, etc because different versions and configurations have much different capabilities.

Personally I have never seen a rule running from an IMAP inbox; I suspect it would take a macro but I'm not very experienced in that area.

Depending which version, changing the time zone should be something like:

On the Tools menu, click Options.
Click Calendar Options.
Click Time Zone.
Under Current time zone, type a description in the Label box.
In the Time zone list, click the time zone you want.
If you want your computer clock automatically adjusted for daylight saving time changes, select the Adjust for daylight saving time check box.
This option is available only in time zones that use daylight saving time.

Jock