I use Outlook 2007 on two computers. Normally one is set to "leave messages on server" and the other is set to delete after a certain number of days."

The one with the "delete" setting has been in the shop for a week. This is normally my "main" computer.

Today, for reasons I cannot figure out, Outlook decided not to download only NEW messages but instead is downloading ALL messages on the server, in this case, some 3,500 of them. It is estimated that this will take another four hours, and of course, leave me with a lot of duplicates.

I do not want to delete these messages from the server because I would like to download them to the other computer when it gets back from repairs.

1. Is there any way to get Outlook to stop downloading "all" and go back to downloading "new?"

2. If not, is there any way to automatically delete duplicate messages?

If anyone can help me with this problem, I would be very greatful.