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

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Clean install Thunderbird on old computer

spellboundx2
spellboundx2
more options

I recently moved to a new computer and am trying to clean install Thunderbird on the old computer for another user. I read in this forum to delete the data file containing all the old information. I did this, but now Thunderbird won't open. I get a message telling me that there is no personal data (or words to that effect) to associate with the program.

I tried downloading Thunderbird again, but it still won't open . I would greatly appreciate any help with this, as the person I'm giving the old computer to is most anxious to get started with email on it.

Many thanks! Sharyn~

I recently moved to a new computer and am trying to clean install Thunderbird on the old computer for another user. I read in this forum to delete the data file containing all the old information. I did this, but now Thunderbird won't open. I get a message telling me that there is no personal data (or words to that effect) to associate with the program. I tried downloading Thunderbird again, but it still won't open . I would greatly appreciate any help with this, as the person I'm giving the old computer to is most anxious to get started with email on it. Many thanks! Sharyn~

Chosen solution

in the run/Search on the start menu type %appdata% and press enter locate the Thunderbird folder in windows explorer and delete it.

Then try starting Thunderbird.

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (4)

Zenos
Zenos
more options

I think you haven't deleted the whole profile. If you had, Thunderbird would be prompting you to start a new account set-up. Look for a file named profiles.ini then delete it and all the folders under and alongside it.

Haven't you set up a User Account for the new user? And deleted your own? If so, Thunderbird would be asking for the new account set-up.

spellboundx2
spellboundx2 Question owner
more options

Zenos, thanks for your reply! I double checked and found that the file you mentioned (profiles.ini) was deleted. I went to control panel and uninstalled any remaining Thunderbird bits and downloaded Thunderbird again.

When I tried to install it, I got the same message I had previously gotten: "Thunderbird profile cannot be loaded. It may be missing or inaccessible."

The computer in question is in the same room as this one, and is being used by my husband. Honestly? I don't know how to set up a User Account as it has been ten years since the old computer was set up. I hate being such a dummy, but can you tell me how to do that? Thanks again!

Matt
Matt
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

Chosen Solution

in the run/Search on the start menu type %appdata% and press enter locate the Thunderbird folder in windows explorer and delete it.

Then try starting Thunderbird.

spellboundx2
spellboundx2 Question owner
more options

Matt & Zenos, thank you both for your input. I managed to accomplish what I was after, using your help and the search box to find out how to create a new user. My husband is reading his email as I type this, and is a happy camper. lol

This is a great forum and I love that people answer questions promptly. Thanks again for all your help! Sharyn~