Hello Everyone,

This is for those using Windows Mobile 6.1 wireless devices.

As you know, WM 6.1 now displays SMS (text messages) in what is referred to as threaded or conversation view.  This makes a text message conversation appear similar to that of an instant message complete with a text message history.

NOTE 1:
Please be aware that the following information applies to the Standard Edition of Windows Mobile 6.1 ( for Smart Phones) as opposed to WM6.1 Professional (Pocket PCs) because as a general rule, WM6.1 Pro has a bit more functionality; hence Pocket PC users may find the information in this article either redundant or unnecessary.

NOTE 2:
At the time of this writing, Windows Mobile 6.1 Smart Phone users do not have a direct option  to disable SMS conversation/threaded mode.  Currently, Smart Phone users may either download third-party applications that will disable this mode or they may modify the Windows Mobile 6.1 Registry (for advanced users, only).

NOW, BACK TO OUR SHOW:

When inside the SMS message list, Windows Mobile 6.1 Smart Phone users will soon discover that while the same familiar options continue to be displayed on the Shortcut menu (Right Soft Key) such as New, Reply, and Forward, unlike in the previous version of WM, several of these items  are unavailable. 

One of the most notable of these seemingly unavailable functions is the Move option.  That is, should you wish to move a text message from the SMS Inbox to another folder, you cannot do so as launching the Shortcut menu will merely display the word “Move” without giving you the ability to select it.  I know, I know, it’s hard to believe but it is absolutely true. 

Currently, the only acceptable reliable way to move text messages from the Inbox to another folder is to:

1.
Select the Message (or messages).

2.
Tap the Left Soft Key to delete the message.  You will receive a confirmation prompt. 

3.
Tap the Left Soft Key to confirm that you wish to move the message into the Deleted Items folder.  The message will disappear from the Inbox.

4.
Tap the Right Soft Key to launch the Shortcut menu.

5.
Select Folders.  A list of the SMS folders will be displayed. 

6.
Use the phone’s navigation keys to select the Deleted Items folder and tap the Enter key to open it.  You will now see your currently deleted SMS message.

7.
While the message is selected, tap the Right Soft Key to launch the Shortcut menu.  You will discover that the Move function is now available.

NOTE 3:
To quickly empty the Deleted Items folder, from within any SMS folder, tap the launch the Shortcut menu, select Tools, and choose Delete Messages.  You will receive a confirmation prompt.  Tap the Left Soft Key to confirm your selection.

NOTE 4:
Currently, Windows Mobile 6.1 Smart Phones users must use third-party applications in order to create user defined SMS folders. 

Click Here to read about my SMS folder management application recommendation.  Even though the recommendation was written with Windows Mobile 6.0 in mind, the third-party application, discussed in this article, continues to perform flawlessly in Windows Mobile 6.1.

NOTE 5:
The above steps are necessary only when moving SMS messages from the Inbox to any other SMS folder.  However, the Move function does work correctly when moving a message from any non-Inbox folder to another non-Inbox folder.

Enjoy,

Mark