Thanks again fobotsco,
So if I've got the "leave a copy of messages on the server" box unchecked, the issue of importing duplicate files just doesn't apply to me?
I don't really keep stuff in my "deleted items" folder. I always hold shift down when deleting and only delete stuff that I definitely don't want. Hence wanting to get stuff out of OE but with the option of putting it back one day if required. I think I've got the hang of how to do it now though thank you.
If I understand you correctly, Compacting all folders achieves the same as me manually deleting all the "detritus" files out of windows explorer. Is this correct? The help files don't exactly spell out what is happening when you choose "compact files"
How is the "detritus" created? Does it copy files only when you delete them, or when you change the name of a folder within OE or maybe drag a folder to a different one?
The more you learn the harder it gets!