How to Resync or Re-add Missing Folders in Outlook (Classic) for IMAP Accounts Print

Overview

After re-adding an IMAP email account in Outlook (Classic), you may notice that some folders (such as Sent, Drafts, or custom folders) are missing or not syncing correctly.

This guide explains how to resync your mailbox and restore any missing folders.

Symptoms

• Missing folders in Outlook (e.g. Sent, Drafts, Archive)
• Emails visible in webmail but not in Outlook
• Folder list incomplete or not updating
• Subfolders not appearing

Step 1 – Confirm the Account is IMAP

1. Open Outlook
2. Go to File → Account Settings → Account Settings
3. Check the Type column

It must show IMAP. If the account is POP, folders will not sync properly.

Step 2 – Refresh Folder List

1. Go to the Send/Receive tab
2. Click Send/Receive All Folders
3. Wait for the sync to complete

You can also press F9 to force a sync.

Step 3 – Check Folder Subscription (Common Fix)

Outlook IMAP only shows subscribed folders.

1. Right-click your email account in the folder pane
2. Click IMAP Folders
3. Click Query
4. Select any missing folders
5. Click Subscribe
6. Click OK

Step 4 – Check Root Folder Path

Incorrect root paths often hide folders.

1. Go to File → Account Settings → Account Settings
2. Select your account → Click Change
3. Click More Settings
4. Go to the Advanced tab
5. Set Root folder path to:

INBOX

6. Click OK → Next → Finish
7. Restart Outlook

Step 5 – Check Special Folder Mapping

1. Go to File → Options → Mail
2. Scroll to Save messages
3. Ensure Sent items are saved to the correct folder

Alternatively:

1. Right-click Sent Items
2. Click Properties
3. Confirm correct folder mapping

Step 6 – Rebuild the Outlook Cache (OST File)

1. Close Outlook
2. Go to Control Panel → Mail → Data Files
3. Note the location of the .ost file
4. Close the Mail window
5. Delete the .ost file
6. Reopen Outlook

Outlook will rebuild the mailbox from the server.

Step 7 – Check via Webmail

Log into your webmail and confirm:

• The folders exist
• They contain emails

If they do not exist in webmail, Outlook cannot sync them.

Step 8 – Recreate Missing Folders (If Required)

1. Right-click your mailbox in Outlook
2. Click New Folder
3. Name it appropriately (e.g. Sent, Archive)
4. Move emails into the folder if needed

Step 9 – Remove and Re-add the Account (Last Resort)

1. Go to File → Account Settings → Account Settings
2. Remove the account
3. Re-add it as IMAP
4. Allow full sync to complete

Troubleshooting Tips

• Allow time for large mailboxes to fully sync
• Ensure stable internet connection
• Temporarily disable antivirus email scanning
• Check mailbox quota is not exceeded

Need Help?

If you are still experiencing issues, please contact support with your email address, screenshots of missing folders, and confirmation of webmail status.