WebMail Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

View WebMail User Guide

Log in to WebMail

WebMail 3.0 and WebMail Pro is scheduled for decommission on July 1, 2008

Due to declining usage, WebMail Pro and WebMail 3.0 will be decommissioned, and the scheduled decommission date is July 1. GopherMail will continue as a Web-based e-mail application for central e-mail accounts.

WebMail Pro for non-central systems mail used by departmental e-mail servers will be decommissioned by July 1, as well. GopherMail does not support non-central e-mail servers.

The number of active WebMail Pro and WebMail 3.0 users has declined considerably, and approximately 75 percent of those who utilize Web-based e-mail use GopherMail. In addition, mailbox sharing, a new e-mail feature, is compatible with GopherMail, but not WebMail Pro or 3.0.

WebMail Pro and 3.0 users can begin using GopherMail immediately. WebMail Pro users may need to copy their address book from their current application to GopherMail before the decommission date. More of GopherMail's features, as well as further information and instructions on copying addresses are found in the GopherMail FAQ.

The Office of Information Technology is working with Usability Services and the Computer Accommodations Program to enhance GopherMail's compatibility with screen readers and accessibility for the visually impaired.

Additional updates will be made available as the July 1 decommissioning date approaches. Questions and comments should be sent to webmail@umn.edu, or call 1-HELP at (612) 301-4357 (1-HELP on campus).

How do I make new folders?

To create a new folder (or new mailbox), click on the Create New Mailbox button. A new tab will appear with a text box. Type in the name you would like for your new mailbox and click Set Name. Your new mailbox will be set in alphabetical place among the other mailboxes.

How can I change the appearance of WebMail Pro?

You can change the appearance of WebMail Pro by going into the Preferences tab. In the Preferences tab, you can choose between five different themes. You can also choose to have your buttons appear at the top, bottom or both.

Why do some messages I receive in WebMail Pro show up with HTML coding in the text?

This problem occurs when e-mail messages are encoded in HTML. WebMail Pro does not parse the HTML coding; therefore, you will see the coding in the message itself. For the best results, have the sender change their preferences to send the message in TEXT coding.

Can I use HTML coding in my messages with WebMail Pro?

WebMail Pro does not support HTML coding.

Normally I use another client to check my e-mail, but I used WebMail Pro to check my e-mail last time. Now, using my client, I see a message that says DO NOT DELETE THIS MESSAGE. What do I do?

Many users use a POP3 based e-mail client while WebMail Pro is IMAP based. The IMAP server uses this message to put settings into your mail folder on the IMAP server. When you check your e-mail with a POP3 client, the message appears. It is safe to delete the message.

Someone sent me a Word document as an attachment, but I'm having trouble downloading it. How can I download my attachment?

For the best results in downloading an attachment through WebMail Pro, use the following instructions:

1. Use Netscape or Internet Explorer
2. Once you are in the message, right click (Ctrl-click on Mac) on the attachment link.
3. Select Save Link As…
4. Specify where you would like to save the attachment and click Save.

You can now view the attachment.

How do I attach a file in a new message (send an attachment)?

To send an attachment in a new message:

1. Next to the Attachments line in the heading, click Browse.
2. Browse through your computer until you find the file you would like attached. Select the file and click Open.
3. Click the Attach File button next to the Browse button. If you do not click the Attach File button, the file will not be embedded into your message.

You should now see the file attached in the heading of your message.

What is the limit on my attachment size?

Attachments in WebMail Pro are limited to 4 MB.

How do I delete folders in WebMail Pro?

To delete folders, you must first delete the messages inside the folders.

First, check each of the messages. Next, click the button Delete Checked Messages. Then, click the button Empty Trash.

After the messages are deleted, you will see a message, "This Mailbox is Empty. Delete It?" Click on Delete It and the mailbox will be deleted.

How much mail can I have stored on my account?

There is currently 1 GB (Gigabyte) of storage space in your e-mail account (this is for folders or files).

Why do I get random "Page Not Found" errors?

Some of these errors happen in Internet Explorer. These errors can also occur when you use the browser's back button instead of using the buttons on the page.