Hello,
I think the easiest way to handle this problem is use Mozilla Thunderbird to access the Yahoo Mail, and use SpamFighter to eliminate the spam in the account so you can go through the legitimate emails.
First, if you don't have it already,
download and install Mozilla Thunderbird.
After installing Thunderbird use these settings to add the Yahoo account:
http://www.emailquestions.com/mozilla-thunderbird/8246-can-i-use-thunderbird-yahoo-mail.html
When you are done adding the Yahoo account, close your Thunderbird. Make sure your quit and that it's just minimized.
Next, download and install
SpamFighter. Using the free version should be fine for this task. The only reason to upgrade it is if you happen to want to permanently use Thunderbird + SpamFighter and you prefer to have the email signature removed that's added by the free version to outgoing email.
Restart Thunderbird. When prompted, allow the SpamFighter add-on:
When prompted, restart Thunderbird again to complete the installation.
In Thunderbird, to clean the inbox, or any IMAP folder:
- Highlight the inbox or IMAP folder that you want to clean
- Click More and then select Clean Folder
- SpamFighter will then scan and move spam to the SpamFighter folder
Repeat this process for all inboxes and mail folders that you want to clean.
This procedure does not require that you always use Thunderbird. You can continue to use the Yahoo webmail for reading the email.
Please let us know how well this solution worked for you and if you need any additional help cleaning up the 40,000 email Yahoo account.
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