How to Delete a Message Bypassing the Trash

Delete computer keyboard key

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by Heinz Tschabitscher
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
Updated July 13, 2019

You can delete a spam message immediately before it even makes it to your Mozilla Thunderbird, Netscape or Mozilla trash ​folder. This especially will make you feel good if you suspect something contains a virus. We'll show you how.

Delete a Message Bypassing the Trash in Mozilla Thunderbird or Netscape

To immediately and irrevocably delete a message in Mozilla Thunderbird, Netscape or Mozilla:

  • Select the message you want to delete in the message list.
  • Hold down the Shift key while pressing Del.