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thunderbird password lost

  • 10 replies
  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by lance16

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The password for Thunderbird stores in Options/Security/Passwords is not correct. How can I email Thunderbird with "Forgotten Password" and get a reset link?

The password for Thunderbird stores in Options/Security/Passwords is not correct. How can I email Thunderbird with "Forgotten Password" and get a reset link?

Chosen solution

Hi sfhowes. Added a new account and all is well. Many thanks for your help. Lance

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All Replies (10)

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Passwords are managed and reset through the mail provider's website. Delete the old one in Saved Passwords, restart TB, and enter the new one when prompted.

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Hi sfhowes, Thanks for your reply. Tried your solution without success. The password problem is with Gmail accessed via Thunderbird. Using Xfinity for internet connection but doubt they can send me a reset password link. Any other suggestions? Lance

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In this case, Gmail is the mail provider and Xfinity is the network provider. Go to the gmail website to recover or reset the password: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7682439?hl=en

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Changed password via provided link which changed the password for gmail webmail but did not change the password for gmail via Thunderbird. Any other suggestions?

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There's only one gmail account password, so if you changed it on the website, delete the old one in TB, restart TB, and enter the new password when prompted.

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Hi sfhowes, I've definitely followed your instructions but continue to get an invalid password. I see were the emails are saved under the "user" file. If I uninstall Thunderbird and reinstall it, will the uninstall leave my emails in the user file and reappear in a new install?

 Lance
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Re-installing the program won't help. Check that the settings are imap.gmail.com on port 993, smtp.gmail.com on port 465; SSL/TLS, authentication = OAuth2, User Name = email address. Cookies must be enabled in TB Options/Privacy. Delete the passwords in Saved Passwords again, restart TB, enter the new password in the OAuth browser window when prompted.

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Hi sfhowes. Did as you suggested except imap gave me an error message after I changed from pop. Returned to pop.gmail.com on port 995. Made sure password was not saved. Restarted TB. Entered new password. TB rejected the password. Email address is correct. Gmail works using Chrome or Firefox. Anything else?

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When you switch between POP and IMAP you can't just change the server and port - you have to add as a new account.

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Chosen Solution

Hi sfhowes. Added a new account and all is well. Many thanks for your help. Lance