Instead of using filters for backing up messages, I'd rather enable synchronization for your IMAP account. Synchronization means Thunderbird is downloading an offline copy for every message. Then backup the Thunderbird profile folder on a regular basis.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/imap-synchronization

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Thunderbird_:_FAQs_:_Backing_Up_and_Restoring

Thanks Christ1,

I have got synchronization enabled (I think by default) and I have used Mozbackup to move mail from Outlook on another machine.

However I like using Mail Filters for the following reasons;-

1. I get a local copy that is persistent after the imap folders are cleaned on the server. 2. Local copies are easily accessed if I need to refer back to old emails.

I just thought there was some way to stop mail on the spam folder from being treated as incoming mail. If there isn't then I will grin and bear it as the filter does 99% of what I want.

Then why are you using IMAP in the first place? I guess POP would make more sense for you.

Yup! you have a point there! ...... I guess I used imap 'cos AOL kind of deprecates POP and thunderbird went of and set up imap automatically.

That begs the question "why the hell am i still using AOL?"

Anyway out of pure interest now I would still like to know why messages in the spam folder are being processed as if they are "New" mail.

Many Thanks

Not sure, but it may be related to this: message filters are run before the junk mail controls. There is no way to change that order.