How to Delete a Message Bypassing the Trash in Windows Mail or Outlook Express

When I spot a message with a suspiciously looking attachment in Windows Mail or Outlook Express, I want it gone, gone, gone from my computer.

So I hit the Del key, only to find Windows Mail or Outlook Express put the malicious email in the trash instead of immediately getting rid of it completely. This is a nice safety net, but sometimes what I want is deletion without a net.

Delete a Message Bypassing the Trash in Windows Mail or Outlook Express

To delete a message immediately without the Recycle Bin in Windows Mail or Outlook Express:

• Hold down the Shift key while pressing Del.
• Click Yes.

Be careful with this shortcut, though, since your message won't be recoverable once deleted this way.