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.

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

Thunderbird wont open because "it is already running"

  • 2 cavab
  • 2 have this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by billseldon

more options

While trying to load my old Thunderbird profile data I must have entered an incorrect profile address, causing it not to load. I tried to correct this by deleting the new installation and reinstalling a new download, but now get the message: "Thunderbird is already running, but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Thunderbird process, or restart your system." Task Manager shows no other instance running, so I have restarted the computer - same message. I have also closed the computer, waited and then restarted. Same message displayed. Please - Any suggestions as to how to overcome this problem?

While trying to load my old Thunderbird profile data I must have entered an incorrect profile address, causing it not to load. I tried to correct this by deleting the new installation and reinstalling a new download, but now get the message: "Thunderbird is already running, but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Thunderbird process, or restart your system." Task Manager shows no other instance running, so I have restarted the computer - same message. I have also closed the computer, waited and then restarted. Same message displayed. Please - Any suggestions as to how to overcome this problem?

Chosen solution

Thanks, It may have been locked, but I had no idea how to unlock. However, I downloaded and applied the latest release. This enabled me to get into the Profile file and correct the address and Thunderbird now working. I guess the download did the unlocking, but it is a mystery as to how previous delete Thunderbird, then Download a fresh version and apply again did not also do this?

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (2)

more options

You probably have a lock file.

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_in_use

more options

Seçilmiş Həll

Thanks, It may have been locked, but I had no idea how to unlock. However, I downloaded and applied the latest release. This enabled me to get into the Profile file and correct the address and Thunderbird now working. I guess the download did the unlocking, but it is a mystery as to how previous delete Thunderbird, then Download a fresh version and apply again did not also do this?