This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Hierdie gesprek is in die argief. Vra asseblief 'n nuwe vraag as jy hulp nodig het.

How do I save (locally) ALL emails from ALL accounts using IMAP Thunderbird 31.3.0?

  • 4 antwoorde
  • 1 het hierdie probleem
  • 12 views
  • Laaste antwoord deur duggabe

DalTXJim
DalTXJim
more options

I have Thunderbird 31.3.0 installed using IMAP and have 10+ email accounts with thousands of emails that I want to "archive - save - backup" TO MY HARD DRIVE. Once this is done, these email accounts & emails themselves will be deleted from the server they are currently residing on. I see various scenarios on the internet, but none seem to be posted recently and/or using this version of TB.

I have "save on this computer" checked, but I don't believe that is actually saving the emails to my hard drive.

I have seen where these accounts - email folders should be moved to the "Local" folder, in order to save them to my hard drive. Is there a easy method to set this up, since I still have access to the email accounts & emails via IMAP? Or is that not the proper way to do what I want?

Please go easy on the technical stuff!

Thanks for your help!!!

I have Thunderbird 31.3.0 installed using IMAP and have 10+ email accounts with thousands of emails that I want to "archive - save - backup" TO MY HARD DRIVE. Once this is done, these email accounts & emails themselves will be deleted from the server they are currently residing on. I see various scenarios on the internet, but none seem to be posted recently and/or using this version of TB. I have "save on this computer" checked, but I don't believe that is actually saving the emails to my hard drive. I have seen where these accounts - email folders should be moved to the "Local" folder, in order to save them to my hard drive. Is there a easy method to set this up, since I still have access to the email accounts & emails via IMAP? Or is that not the proper way to do what I want? Please go easy on the technical stuff! Thanks for your help!!!

All Replies (4)

duggabe
duggabe
more options

There is an add-on to TB which allows import and export of emails in various formats to a separate storage medium (external disk, thumb drive, etc.).

The instructions on how to download and install it can be found at http://barryduggan.info/exportMail.php

DalTXJim
DalTXJim Vraag-eienaar
more options

duggabe said

There is an add-on to TB which allows import and export of emails in various formats to a separate storage medium (external disk, thumb drive, etc.). The instructions on how to download and install it can be found at http://barryduggan.info/exportMail.php

I appreciate the information. I installed the add-on, but when I use it, no folders are moved. I have a feeling I need to set something in the add-on, but don't know what to change, as I'm not that familiar with it. Can you suggest some tips? Thank you!

sfhowes
sfhowes
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

One option is to copy the online (IMAP) folder contents to a Local Folders folder, then export that folder with ImportExportTools. Or, select the messages in the Local Folders folder (Ctrl-A to select All), then Ctrl-S to save them as eml files.

Other options for IMAP backup are given here:

http://kb.mozillazine.org/IMAP_backup

duggabe
duggabe
more options

I have revised my instructions to include IMAP folders. Sorry for the oversight. See http://barryduggan.info/exportMail.php