Join the AMA (Ask Me Anything) with the Firefox leadership team to celebrate Firefox 20th anniversary and discuss Firefox’s future on Mozilla Connect. Mark your calendar on Thursday, November 14, 18:00 - 20:00 UTC!

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.

General questions on switching to Thunderbird

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Zenos

James7
James7
more options

Hello,

I don't have an issue, but rather just need some basic information on the software - apologies in advance.

I am helping my mother to switch from the Windows 10 default Mail app, which doesn't satisfy her needs, to a better program. Here are some things we need to know first:

1) Does Thunderbird store all data, emails, contacts etc locally? Windows 10 Mail downloads everything from an online server each time you log on, which is not suitable for our use.

2) Is there a mailing list/distribution list system native to Thunderbird? My mother used Windows Live Mail 2012 and relied heavily on these lists to send emails to multiple contacts at the click of a button. Is this easy to set up?

3) If I freshly install Thunderbird and sign into the email account, will it automatically fetch the entire inbox, outbox and contact list? If not, how would I transfer this data?

Any and all information is greatly appreciated!

Many thanks, James

Hello, I don't have an issue, but rather just need some basic information on the software - apologies in advance. I am helping my mother to switch from the Windows 10 default Mail app, which doesn't satisfy her needs, to a better program. Here are some things we need to know first: 1) Does Thunderbird store all data, emails, contacts etc locally? Windows 10 Mail downloads everything from an online server each time you log on, which is not suitable for our use. 2) Is there a mailing list/distribution list system native to Thunderbird? My mother used Windows Live Mail 2012 and relied heavily on these lists to send emails to multiple contacts at the click of a button. Is this easy to set up? 3) If I freshly install Thunderbird and sign into the email account, will it automatically fetch the entire inbox, outbox and contact list? If not, how would I transfer this data? Any and all information is greatly appreciated! Many thanks, James

All Replies (2)

user01229325
user01229325
more options

Google the difference between IMAP and POP for your answer to where mail is stored The Thunderbird address books are local but can sync with online address books like at gmail. This article explains address books and mailing lists. http://en.flossmanuals.net/thunderbird/address-book-basics/ Not knowing if you were using POP or IMAP before there is no way to answer the last question.

Zenos
Zenos
more options

!. Yes if you want it to. POP does this by default. With IMAP, Thunderbird maintains a local cache primarily to avoid downloading everything each time. Contacts and address books need to be handled separately, but they can be downloaded from an online location of that's what you need.

2. Yes they are called Mailing Lists and can be constructed using drag-and-drop.

3. Yes to the email folders, if the server, Thunderbird and the previous email application are all using IMAP. Again, address books are handled differently, but if you were using the Mail application in Windows, I think your address book there would be local and not stored online.

If the old address book is local, Thunderbird may be able to import it directly from the pre-existing mail application. But I'm not sure it plays well with Windows Live Mail. Most address books will support export to a CSV file and Thunderbird is capable of importing such a file.

AFAIK, Windows LIve Mail is exclusively IMAP so none of the caveats relating to POP should apply.

You don't have to go cold turkey. You can install Thunderbird alongside whatever you're currently using and get a feel for it before deciding if you really want to jump ship.

Modified by Zenos