Dear cook517,
I think in OL 2003 you need to delete the items locally in your inbox,
then connect to your ISP and OL will issue delete commands for the
ones you deleted selected. If you want to keep a copy then copy them
to a safe folder before re-connecting!
You may have more fun with one of my programs designed specifically to
preview your inbox at the ISP. Plus it cool things like auto spam
deletion & running programs when a "special" email arrives.
http://justinbox.com
Hope that helps.
CreateWindow
http://mymessagetaker.com
The while-you-were-out message program you have been looking for!