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I have changed the default printer on my computer, but Thunderbird's default has not changed. How do I change the default printer for Thunderbird?

  • 4 replies
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  • Last reply by jackiemhl

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I have searched through the options in Thunderbird and cannot find the option to set a default printer. The only way I can change the printer is in the print dialog box. I have to check and distribute hundreds of emails each day, and skipping the extra step would be a time saver.

I have searched through the options in Thunderbird and cannot find the option to set a default printer. The only way I can change the printer is in the print dialog box. I have to check and distribute hundreds of emails each day, and skipping the extra step would be a time saver.

Chosen solution

If you are printing to keep a backup log, it would be so much quicker to backup the folder or entire profile name folder to an external hardrive.

re : check and distribute hundreds of emails The whole point of emails and ability to backup is not to print. It saves hundreds of pounds/dollars in ink, paper and time. Please enlighten us, what is the reason for all this printing?

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All Replies (4)

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Here is a suggestion.

  1. Go to Tools|Options|Advanced|General
  2. Click on Config Editor.
  3. If challenged, reassure it that you will be careful.
  4. Type printer into the search box at the top. What do you see? One printer? Many printers?
  5. Select print_printer, right-click and select Reset.
  6. Close and re-start Thunderbird.

Now it doesn't know what printer to use, it should allow you to choose the appropriate printer and remember it next time you attempt to print.

I'm rather amused at the archaic idea of printing everything on paper. Even the fools in QA at my place of work have eventually recognized that we don't need paper copies of everything.

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Chosen Solution

If you are printing to keep a backup log, it would be so much quicker to backup the folder or entire profile name folder to an external hardrive.

re : check and distribute hundreds of emails The whole point of emails and ability to backup is not to print. It saves hundreds of pounds/dollars in ink, paper and time. Please enlighten us, what is the reason for all this printing?

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Toad-Hall said

If you are printing to keep a backup log, it would be so much quicker to backup the folder or entire profile name folder to an external hardrive. re : check and distribute hundreds of emails The whole point of emails and ability to backup is not to print. It saves hundreds of pounds/dollars in ink, paper and time. Please enlighten us, what is the reason for all this printing?

The reason for the printing (I don't print the vast majority of emails) is that it is required to keep some documents in paper format for legal purposes in my office.

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Zenos said

Here is a suggestion.
  1. Go to Tools|Options|Advanced|General
  2. Click on Config Editor.
  3. If challenged, reassure it that you will be careful.
  4. Type printer into the search box at the top. What do you see? One printer? Many printers?
  5. Select print_printer, right-click and select Reset.
  6. Close and re-start Thunderbird.
Now it doesn't know what printer to use, it should allow you to choose the appropriate printer and remember it next time you attempt to print. I'm rather amused at the archaic idea of printing everything on paper. Even the fools in QA at my place of work have eventually recognized that we don't need paper copies of everything.

This worked perfectly. I personally prefer to keep electronic copies of everything, but unfortunately, my office and the court we work in require that some documents be kept in hard copy for legal purposes.