diff --git a/offlineimap/folder/IMAP.py b/offlineimap/folder/IMAP.py
index 5a14776..d860e85 100644
--- a/offlineimap/folder/IMAP.py
+++ b/offlineimap/folder/IMAP.py
@@ -120,7 +120,9 @@ class IMAPFolder(BaseFolder):
         imapobj = self.imapserver.acquireconnection()
         try:
             res_type, imapdata = imapobj.select(self.getfullname(), True)
-
+            if imapdata == [None] or imapdata[0] == '0':
+                # Empty folder, no need to populate message list
+                return
             # By default examine all UIDs in this folder
             msgsToFetch = '1:*'