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All email subject, date, etc. text has changed to white, and is unreadable

admin283
admin283
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I am not sure whether this was caused by an auto Windows or Thunderbird update, but I haven't changed any recent settings that should cause this to happen.

All email subjects, date, sender, etc. now display on white text and white background. Things like Stars and attachment icons display normally. If I click where the email "is", the email shows up properly. Having my mouse over to highlight the email shows that it is indeed white text on white background (as opposed to no text at all).

Things I have tried:

  • Changing Options > Colors (neither changing text nor background color appear to do anything)
  • Disabling/re-enabling my add-ons to change email color per account
  • Changing my theme
  • Changing Windows 10 default app theme (Light or Dark)

All of these with Thunderbird restarts each time. I have also, in general, restarted the PC.

Ideas?

I am not sure whether this was caused by an auto Windows or Thunderbird update, but I haven't changed any recent settings that should cause this to happen. All email subjects, date, sender, etc. now display on white text and white background. Things like Stars and attachment icons display normally. If I click where the email "is", the email shows up properly. Having my mouse over to highlight the email shows that it is indeed white text on white background (as opposed to no text at all). Things I have tried: * Changing Options > Colors (neither changing text nor background color appear to do anything) * Disabling/re-enabling my add-ons to change email color per account * Changing my theme * Changing Windows 10 default app theme (Light or Dark) All of these with Thunderbird restarts each time. I have also, in general, restarted the PC. Ideas?

Chosen solution

Can you try also Safe mode (with no add-ons)? Hold shift button on your keyboard while starting Thunderbird.

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All Replies (4)

svlad2009
svlad2009
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Chosen Solution

Can you try also Safe mode (with no add-ons)? Hold shift button on your keyboard while starting Thunderbird.

admin283
admin283 Question owner
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@svlad2009, this worked — and I'm not entirely sure why!

I started it in Safe Mode and the text worked fine. Figuring an add-on must be responsible, I restarted in regular mode to try and diagnose which one it was... but it now works fine even with all those add-ons enabled, and no other changes. i.e. it seems like just booting it in Safe once did the trick alone.

Thanks!

Michelle Jones
Michelle Jones
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I had this issue as well and I found that certain themes that used to work beautifully all of a sudden are causing this issue. When I find a theme it happens with I have to disable the theme. Remove the theme (so I don't accidentally use it again) then I restart Thunderbird in safe mode (holding down the shift key while opening Thunderbird) and from that point on it will work fine and you will no longer need to operate Thunderbird in safe mode.

tyrone.taylor
tyrone.taylor
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I also have this problem and have no add ons installed at all. Its a clean install of TB straight out of the box. The safemode works for me but after a few days the same issue arises!

Any ideas as I am giving up hope and looking for an alternative.

My Thanks in advance

Ty