why do folders (ie "unread mail") disappear? Also folders I made

[Steve B.]

Two folders: "unread mail," and a custome folder I created have simply
disappeared when I opened Outlook today. I closed it and reopened, but no
change. They're just gone. Also, messages I save to archive folders
disappear.

How can I reproduce the "Unread Mail" folder, and how can I make this more
stable.

Outlook 2007, running with Vista

 

[Diane Poremsky {MVP}]

the unread one is usually stable - it can be added back in Search folders.
if you need to recreate the unread folder you accidently deleted it from the
mailbox. If its listed under search folders but disappeared from the
favorites list, the navigation pane's xml file is corrupt. Sometimes opening
outlook with the resetnavpane switch will fix it, sometimes you need a new
profile.

http://www.outlook-tips.net/beginner/resetview.htm

 

[Steve B.]

This is good information for someone who knows what you're talking about. I
can see that this is a solution, but I have no idea what it means or how to
do it.. I'll try the link you provided. I believe that the corruption
answer is the key. Two folders just vanished, without me doing anything but
opening the program. I like the unread mail folder, and I lost a few
messages I had stored in the other.

 

[Diane Poremsky [MVP]]

note, you didn't lose the messages stored in the other folder unless you
deleted the physical folder they were stored in - if so, look in the deleted
items folder. Search folders are just virtual folders containing links to
messages that meet the criteria of the search. the actual message is not
moved or copied to the search folder.