We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

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

Mozilla Thunderbird asked to install update - I said yes - now I can't open any folders, open addressbook or the options in tools,etc - have tried all support s

  • 1 reply
  • 3 have this problem
  • 8 views
  • Last reply by Matt

more options

When Mozilla started installing update message 'part update failed - installing full update'. No further message - installation complete. Since then get the read/write/settings etc big screen but can't open any folders or any of the options on the screen - e.g. tools, address book. Emails still arriving 14 now* , but can't open. Followed support suggestion - i.e. try to remove Lightning/calendar addon - but couldn't get addons (i.e tools options won't open) or start Thunderbird in safe mode - so went to next suggestion - reinstall Thunderbird. This installed Thunderbird 38.6.0 and said it was in 'ProgramFiles (x86) Mozilla Thunderbird'. Opening Thunderbird gives me same screen with read/write/settings but nothing opens.

  • Just received email - with the italic/light text summary asking me to confirm query - but of course I can't open it to read or reply.

Please help -getting desperate.

When Mozilla started installing update message 'part update failed - installing full update'. No further message - installation complete. Since then get the read/write/settings etc big screen but can't open any folders or any of the options on the screen - e.g. tools, address book. Emails still arriving 14 now* , but can't open. Followed support suggestion - i.e. try to remove Lightning/calendar addon - but couldn't get addons (i.e tools options won't open) or start Thunderbird in safe mode - so went to next suggestion - reinstall Thunderbird. This installed Thunderbird 38.6.0 and said it was in 'ProgramFiles (x86) Mozilla Thunderbird'. Opening Thunderbird gives me same screen with read/write/settings but nothing opens. *Just received email - with the italic/light text summary asking me to confirm query - but of course I can't open it to read or reply. Please help -getting desperate.

Chosen solution

To diagnose problems with Thunderbird, try the following:

  • Restart Thunderbird with add-ons disabled (Thunderbird Safe Mode). On the Help menu, click on "Restart with Add-ons Disabled". If Thunderbird works like normal, there is an Add-on or Theme interfering with normal operations. You will need to re-enable add-ons one at a time until you locate the offender.
Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (1)

more options

Chosen Solution

To diagnose problems with Thunderbird, try the following:

  • Restart Thunderbird with add-ons disabled (Thunderbird Safe Mode). On the Help menu, click on "Restart with Add-ons Disabled". If Thunderbird works like normal, there is an Add-on or Theme interfering with normal operations. You will need to re-enable add-ons one at a time until you locate the offender.