Outlook 2003 -- How to fully delete emails

While working with our ISP (Megapath) when I was having a problem sending emails, they managed to help me correct that problem. But, in the process, they created some new problems for my wife and me in terms of our use of Outlook. The most vexing problem is that now when we delete an email, whether opened or not, there is simply a strike-through line through the email, but it's still there in the inbox and it can be readily reopened.

Formerly, when I deleted an email, it would go into the "Deleted Items" folder, from which I could quickly delete all items in this folder.

I want to get back to former way Outlook 2003 handled emails for us.

Any suggestions?

If it isn't clear, neither my wife nor I are technologically sophisticated.

Thanks.

Maxie,

My wife and I both thank you.

Bob