Previously we covered how to use Gmail in Outlook via IMAP and today were going to review the process of configuring Outlook 2010 to download the entire email rather than just the Subject and header information. It’s actually an intricate process to force Outlook to download entire emails however once you know where to look, it’s simple.
Word of caution: If your inbox is full and bursting at the seams with 1000’s of emails, this would be a very very bad thing to do unless you really want to wait for ALL of them to completely download. Granted, if you have the time it shouldn’t be a problem.
How To Force Outlook To Completely Download IMAP Items
1. In Outlook Click the Send/Receive tab, then Click Send/Receive Groups and Select Define Send/Receive Groups…
2. Click the Edit… button.
3. Click the folder you want to download IMAP items for, then Click Use the custom behavior defined below option, and then Select Download complete item including attachments. Click OK to finish.
Now Outlook will sync up with Gmail and download all of your IMAP items in their entirety. This could take a while if you have a very full inbox, but patience is groovy.