Messages are not copied to the Sent folder when using IMAP

This article discusses a problem that can occur on Mac Mail and Outlook Express when you use IMAP to connect to an e-mail account. Messages that you send are not copied to the Sent folder.

Problem

When you use Mac Mail or Microsoft Outlook Express to send e-mail messages, the messages may not be copied to the Sent folder. This problem only occurs when you use IMAP to connect to the e-mail account.

Resolution

This problem occurs when the IMAP folder's root path is not set to INBOX. As a result, Mac Mail and Outlook Express are unable to locate the Sent folder for sent messages. To resolve this issue, follow the appropriate procedure for your e-mail client application.

Outlook Express

To resolve this problem on Outlook Express, follow these steps:

1. Start Outlook Express.
2. On the Tools menu, click Accounts.
3. Select the e-mail account, and then click Properties.
4. Click the IMAP tab.
5. Under Folders, in the Root folder path text box, type INBOX.
6. Confirm that the Check for new messages in all folders check box is selected.
7. Under Special Folders, select the Store special folders on IMAP server check box.
8. In the Sent Items path text box, type Sent.
9. In the Drafts path text box, type Drafts.
10. Click OK, and then click Close.

Mac Mail

To resolve this problem on Mac Mail, follow these steps:

1. Start Mac Mail.
2. On the Mail menu, click Accounts.
3. In the list of e-mail accounts, click your A2 Hosting account, and then click Advanced.
4. In the Path Prefix text box, type INBOX.
   Make sure you capitalize the entire word. It must be INBOX.
5. Click OK.