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Migration fails. Both computers have same version. Target computer says file is from old version.

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  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by ChaimF3

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Here is my problem. I have over 12GB of Thunderbird mail data on my current Windows 7 computer, which is failing mechanically. I must move this data as soon as possible.to another computer, in this case a Windows 10 one.

I have followed the instructions in the Thunderbird help document to move the profile file from one computer to another, and have had a failure at the last step, trying to place the transferred profile file into the Thunderbird installation on the second computer. At that point I get an error message saying that it appears that the transferred file is produced by older version of Thunderbird and cannot be utilized by the current program on the second computer.

I have used Thunderbird for over 10 years, and various mailboxes have been established at different times with different versions of Thunderbird. But both the originating Windows 7 computer and the target Windows 10 computer are running Thunderbird 68.3.1 32 bit version.

My urgent request: how can I transfer the data so that it is accessible.

Thank you.

Chaim Frazer

Here is my problem. I have over 12GB of Thunderbird mail data on my current Windows 7 computer, which is failing mechanically. I must move this data as soon as possible.to another computer, in this case a Windows 10 one. I have followed the instructions in the Thunderbird help document to move the profile file from one computer to another, and have had a failure at the last step, trying to place the transferred profile file into the Thunderbird installation on the second computer. At that point I get an error message saying that it appears that the transferred file is produced by older version of Thunderbird and cannot be utilized by the current program on the second computer. I have used Thunderbird for over 10 years, and various mailboxes have been established at different times with different versions of Thunderbird. But both the originating Windows 7 computer and the target Windows 10 computer are running Thunderbird 68.3.1 32 bit version. My urgent request: how can I transfer the data so that it is accessible. Thank you. Chaim Frazer

Chosen solution

You can start Profile Manager, create a new profile, and browse to the folder that currently isn't recognized. Or, copy the unrecognized profile contents into the folder of one of the other profiles.

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If you close TB and start Profile Manager (Windowskey+R, type thunderbird.exe -p), can you select a profile and launch it?

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1276506#answer-1278668

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The profile folder had three files in it.

First file ended in .default-release.

Second file ended in .default.

Third file (my file) ended in .default.

Ran program you recommended, and it showed only the first two files for selection, not the third file which was my transfer file.

Am currently re-copying my transfer file into profile folder. Will try again in about 30 minutes when re-copying completes.

Am currently worried that profile manager did not recognize my original copy.

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Seçilmiş Həll

You can start Profile Manager, create a new profile, and browse to the folder that currently isn't recognized. Or, copy the unrecognized profile contents into the folder of one of the other profiles.

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Thank you very much. Will try later or tomorrow. Am very tired now and want to be clear headed when I try again. Really appreciate your help and will let you know what happens.

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Created new profile, it recognized transfer file, and all mail transferred and is installed in Windows 20 computer. .mab Address Book file was rejected as not suitable for new profile. No problem for me, as I know how to export Windows 7 Address Book to another computer, having done so before.

Thank you VERY VERY much.

Chaim Frazer