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I can't change the printer properties.

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

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I occasionally need to print an email, most commonly from the Sent folder. With Thunderbird 24.4 I had no problems. With every version since then, I cannot access the printer properties. That means I have to print emails with whatever properties the printer happens to be set at - very likely full colour, slowest speed etc, I can't shrink one and a bit pages to 1 page etc etc. Please let me know when this problem has been fixed. Lots of other people seem to have the same problem but I can't see that they have found a solution. I am using Windows 7 and I don't have any problem printing from other applications. Screen prints show the problem as of today and also in May 2015. Meanwhile I'm reverting to Thunderbird 24.4.

I occasionally need to print an email, most commonly from the Sent folder. With Thunderbird 24.4 I had no problems. With every version since then, I cannot access the printer properties. That means I have to print emails with whatever properties the printer happens to be set at - very likely full colour, slowest speed etc, I can't shrink one and a bit pages to 1 page etc etc. Please let me know when this problem has been fixed. Lots of other people seem to have the same problem but I can't see that they have found a solution. I am using Windows 7 and I don't have any problem printing from other applications. Screen prints show the problem as of today and also in May 2015. Meanwhile I'm reverting to Thunderbird 24.4.
Attached screenshots

Chosen solution

Hi I located this bug report which specifically mentions Win7:

It would be useful if you could add some info to this bug. Tell them it worked in TB version 24.6 you would need to logon/register in order to make comments. It would also be good if you could vote for the bug as this also gets the attention of those doing the debugging. Voting is located near the top where it says:

  • Importance: -- normal with 2 votes (vote)

this is a link to older versions.

It would be useful to those trying to identify which versions work or not, if you could test a few more versions eg: 24.8 , 31.0 and tell thgem which one is ok and which fails.

re : Toad-Hall I live in the UK, but you guessed correctly, I loved the book as a child and it is easily remembered :)

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re :With every version since then, I cannot access the printer properties. Both images show the 'Properties' button for the printer. What happens when you click on 'Properties' button? I'm assuming you click on the button and nothing happens ?

re: I can't shrink one and a bit pages to 1 page etc etc. You do that in 'Print Preview'. 'File' > 'Print Preview' OR 'Menu icon' > 'Print' > 'Print Preview' allows you choose 'Landscape or Portrait' Scale: offers 'Shrink to fit or percentage (increase percentage to increase font) 'Page setup' button offers access to: Orientation, scale and manage 'Margins & Header /footer'


Could you check your Printer drivers are up to date. Don't let Windows check as it gets it wrong more often than not.

Here is a link that should point you in the right direction. https://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/supDetail.jsp?oid=104488&infoType=Downloads&platform=OSF_W_7-64

You do not mention whether you are using 32bit or 64bit. Make sure correct one is selected. then under the 'Drivers' section you will find the download and more info. Confirm this is up to date using V6.16 So select the correct one for your computer and printer.

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Re your questions: Yes, when I click on Properties nothing happens. Yes, I forgot that you use Print preview to shrink to fit etc.

Re Printer driver: My printer driver was already up-to-date. I always use the Epson website for this.

I'm using Windows7 64 bit.

When I first turn on the computer, I can sometimes access printer properties in Thunderbird the first time I print an email.

Now I've gone back to Thunderbird 24.4 and I still can't access printer properties.

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Hi Toad-Hall

I've gone back to version 24.6 and that seems to solve my problem. That's probably the version I was using before I tried the latest version. Thank you for trying to help. PS Do you live in Toad Hall in Canberra? Or have you just read the book!

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Chosen Solution

Hi I located this bug report which specifically mentions Win7:

It would be useful if you could add some info to this bug. Tell them it worked in TB version 24.6 you would need to logon/register in order to make comments. It would also be good if you could vote for the bug as this also gets the attention of those doing the debugging. Voting is located near the top where it says:

  • Importance: -- normal with 2 votes (vote)

this is a link to older versions.

It would be useful to those trying to identify which versions work or not, if you could test a few more versions eg: 24.8 , 31.0 and tell thgem which one is ok and which fails.

re : Toad-Hall I live in the UK, but you guessed correctly, I loved the book as a child and it is easily remembered :)