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Download Gmail Data into Thunderbird

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  • Last reply by david

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Hello!

I spoke with Google Workspace support yesterday and downloaded email data from my account as a back-up. Google Workspace support recommended I download Mozilla Thunderbird, stating I could import the downloaded Gmail data into Thunderbird so I can directly access these emails. I have downloaded and made an account, but I cannot find where and how to do this process. Is this something you are able to help me with?

Thank you for your time and help!

Best, Ashley

Hello! I spoke with Google Workspace support yesterday and downloaded email data from my account as a back-up. Google Workspace support recommended I download Mozilla Thunderbird, stating I could import the downloaded Gmail data into Thunderbird so I can directly access these emails. I have downloaded and made an account, but I cannot find where and how to do this process. Is this something you are able to help me with? Thank you for your time and help! Best, Ashley

All Replies (3)

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Did you download the data from Google Takeout as an .mbox file in a zip archive?

To import a file from Takeout, first remove the .mbox extension. TB will only accept mbox files with no extension.

An mbox can be added to TB by copying it into the Mail/Local Folders folder in the profile folder, with TB closed. Help/More Troubleshooting, Profile Folder, Open Folder, to open the profile.

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Hello!

Is someone able to help walk me through this process further? I cannot seem to figure this out and would like to ensure I do this properly.

Thank you!

Best, Ashley

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@Sfhowes is the guru on this, but I will try to walk through what he said: - unzip the file - if the file has mbox suffix (e.g., XXXXX.mbox), rename the file to NOT have the suffix. - start TB - click help>moretroubleshooting information - scroll down to 'Profile Folder' in left sidebar. Click 'open folder' - exit TB you are now in the profile in Windows File Explorer. - Click the folder 'Mail' to open it - Next, click the folder 'Local Folder' to open it. - copy the email file here - restart Thunderbird