METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING AND COMPACTING ELECTRONIC MAIL MESSAGES

A system and method for managing and compacting electronic mail messages to preserve storage space on a computer and to enhance the efficiency of an electronic mail application. A user or electronic mail system administrator may define a screening criteria to identify messages to be compacted according to compacting procedures. Compacting procedures may include compressing the message and attachments, detaching the attachments from the message and inserting references or pointers in place of the attachments in the message.