Option Expire_HouRs=number
Option Expire_DAYs=number
Option Expire_WeeKs=number
The Expire options let you specify an expiry time for messages in your Saved and Outbound drawers. Each time you delete Saved messages or do a Number command that affects one of these drawers, MAIL8 effectively does an EXPIRE command on the whole drawer. This deletes any normal message that has been in the drawer longer than the expiry time. (Memos are not deleted.)
As an example,
Option Expire_HouRs=72
Option Expire_DAYs=3
are equivalent and say that messages can be discarded from the Saved or Outbound drawer after 72 hours (three days). For all options, the number must be an integer; thus you get a whole number of hours, days, or weeks.
If the expiry time is set to zero, messages will never expire automatically. You can still use the EXPIRE command explicitly to get rid of old messages.
When a new mailbox is created, it is set up with an expiry time. By default, the expiry time is 52 weeks, but sites can change this initial setting if desired.
Remember that the automatic expiry only happens when you issue a Number command, and when you delete Saved messages. You should get in the habit of giving the Memo characteristic to messages that you do not want to see disappear.
When a Saved messages expires, it is moved to the Deleted drawer. This means that you may be able to use UnDELete to get it back, if necessary.
Copyright © 1997, Thinkage Ltd.