How to move TB data to another computer in order to use that 2nd computer as a TB backup
I know your time is valuable, so I never ask you a question until I've tried many, many times to work to a solution on my own following your instructions.
I want to install all my TB files from Computer #1 to Computer #2 for backup purposes. I've followed your wonderfully simple instructions "How to move your Thunderbird data to another computer" five times. I also watched the great video for this several times.
I'm using a USB device to load the TB data so I can copy it to Computer #2.
When I get to Step 3, I click "Open Folder." HERE'S WHERE THE PROCESS BREAKS DOWN> The instructions say "Your Thunderbird profile folder will open in Windows Explorer." This event does not happen, so I can't proceed further.
I've searched Computer #1 for "Thunderbird Profile Folder" and find nothing. I keep getting the message "Still working" as though Computer #1 is continuing to search.
I use Firefox as my browser, so I don't know if Computer #1 has Windows Explorer anymore. I appear to be getting updates for Windows Explorer but cannot find it on Computer #1.
Computer #1 is old but fabulously reliable.
What am I doing wrong?
Modified by marywithaquestion
All Replies (5)
Hello there marywith a question. We have read your message. We try to help you.
Are you using a Mac apple computer? Or a Windows computer machine?
You are using Windows,oke.
Is there a form that they have sended you? Or did you had find a form somewhere where that info came from?
What is it for usb drive can I ask?
Greetings Firefox volunteer.
Modified by День сумо
Dear День сумо,
Thanks for responding.
To answer your questions:
I'm using old HP Windows 10 desktop computers for Computer #1 and Computer #2.
I don't understand what your two questions about a "form" mean.
The USB drive on Computer #1 is 2.0.
Are the current Mozilla instructions correct or out of date? I don't understand why Mozilla's instructions for simple TB file transfers to another computer require use of such an old browser such as Windows Explorer. Can't I use Firefox in place of Windows Explorer?
Looking forward to your help. I really need it. Thank you!
If you are "just looking for a backup" I would suggest you put it all off for a few weeks until V91 releases. It has profile backup and restore and will make your task very much easier.
However step three you mention. I assume from here https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/moving-thunderbird-data-to-a-new-computer
Involves you clicking this button in Thunderbird troubleshooting information.
when that button is clicked the operating system takes over and opens the file and folder in Windows file explorer. If it does not happen then your windows install in not stable, it is broken.
Dear Matt,
I can't thank you enough for your reply re the problem I'm having trying to migrate all my TB emails, Archives, Sent, Drafts, etc., to my 2nd computer as a TB backup.
You believe that the reason I'm having a problem with the migrating is that my "windows install is not stable, it is broken." Q: Does this instability mean that I could have the identical problem when I try to do the migrating when V91 is released as you recommended?
Q: This "Windows File Explorer" that you speak of: Is this the same as the Explorer browser I used to use many years ago or is this simply a page that opens up listing alot of files I have on my computer?
Thanks, Matt, for your time and knowledge. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Mary
When I search on windows it calls the app "file explorer". It is basically the same file explorer / manager that was in Windows 2 and DOS 6. and can be found on Linux, OS2 and even apple computers as finder.