IMAP at Northwestern

Internet Message Access Protocol

IMAP allows you to store your centrally provided e-mail on the NU mail server and access your messages from virtually any computer location with Internet access. You are able to access your e-mail folders and messages from several different machines (i.e. home, office, and laptops), if they are each set up for IMAP.

You should not use a mix of POP and IMAP when accessing your mail from different places. If you do, you will notice problems with your mail, which can include things like getting duplicate messages or "losing" messages. Be sure to configure all your e-mail clients for the same protocol.

IMAP might be right for you if you:

• travel often and use WebMail as your main mail client;
• access your mail from multiple locations (i.e. office, lab, home);
• permanently store your messages on the server after reading them.

IMAP Inbox Space and Folder Space

NUIT has established a quota policy for e-mail saved on the University servers. Your IMAP inbox space and folder space are both limited to 50 MB each. If you exceed this amount, you will not be able to store additional messages in your IMAP e-mail folders. We recommend that you regularly download mail you want to keep to your own computer, and delete unwanted mail to avoid exceeding your quota.

Back up your messages

E-mail folders that you create to store messages on the NU e-mail servers are not backed up by NUIT. You will need to manage and back up these mail folders if you wish to have a copy of your e-mail for safekeeping. For general instructions on setting up your e-mail client to backup your IMAP messages, please review. "How can I backup my IMAP messages?"

Set up IMAP Access:

1. Go to the Webmail site.
2. Select your mail server.
3. Login.
4. Select Options>Account Info from the menu on the left.
5. Select IMAP from the Primary Mailhost Protocol field drop down menu.
6. Click Save.
7. Set up your e-mail client to allow IMAP (optional).
   

• Compare POP vs. IMAP
• IMAP Quick Reference
• Additional IMAP Folder Space for Faculty
• Policy: Management of Received E-mail

NUIT Support Center

Central helpdesk for faculty, staff, and students.
847-491-HELP (4357)
consultant@northwestern.edu