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Lost accounts/can't import after an optional update

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  • Last reply by david

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OS: Windows 11 - 21H2 Thunderbird version: Base 91.10.0 but auto updated to 92.x.x (something) Profile directory size > 7GB Screenshot: attached

I [stupidly] installed an optional update KB5017383 overnight and when clicked on Thunderbird in the morning I had 'lost' all my account. I know they're still there but can't get to them.

I tried to import from the Profiles directory on the affected machine which resulted in an error. I updated Thunderbird to the latest release (102.3.2) with the same result.

All my emails were imported from an older computer (Windows 10; Thunderbird 91.10.0 32 bit; last email - June 26, 2022) which I still have (and can access). It is NOT connected to the internet at this point. I copied the profiles directory from that machine to a USB drive. When I tried the Import - same issue. I uninstalled the KB5017383 update but I still get the same error.

I can't use the zip file option due to the size of accounts/messages. Since the older profile accounts/messages from the Windows 10 PC (and still works), I suspect there is something wrong with the Import function or conflict with a Windows 11 update or a McAfee update.

How do I rectify the import function? I've used the import capability without issue.

Suggestions?

OS: Windows 11 - 21H2 Thunderbird version: Base 91.10.0 but auto updated to 92.x.x (something) Profile directory size > 7GB Screenshot: attached I [stupidly] installed an optional update KB5017383 overnight and when clicked on Thunderbird in the morning I had 'lost' all my account. I know they're still there but can't get to them. I tried to import from the Profiles directory on the affected machine which resulted in an error. I updated Thunderbird to the latest release (102.3.2) with the same result. All my emails were imported from an older computer (Windows 10; Thunderbird 91.10.0 32 bit; last email - June 26, 2022) which I still have (and can access). It is NOT connected to the internet at this point. I copied the profiles directory from that machine to a USB drive. When I tried the Import - same issue. I uninstalled the KB5017383 update but I still get the same error. I can't use the zip file option due to the size of accounts/messages. Since the older profile accounts/messages from the Windows 10 PC (and still works), I suspect there is something wrong with the Import function or conflict with a Windows 11 update or a McAfee update. How do I rectify the import function? I've used the import capability without issue. Suggestions?
Attached screenshots

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My suggestion is to copy from the old PC with ver 91 (as I presume it is still complete) with Thunderbird is NOT running. That would be at c:\users\<yourID>\appdata\roaming\thunderbird. Then copy that thunderbird folder to new PC, (AFTER having installed Thunderbird, but while Thunderbird is NOT running) at c:\users\<yourid>\appdata\roaming. You will overwrite some files and that is intentional. After the copy, start THunderbird and it should immediately recognize the profile.

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Chosen Solution

My suggestion is to copy from the old PC with ver 91 (as I presume it is still complete) with Thunderbird is NOT running. That would be at c:\users\<yourID>\appdata\roaming\thunderbird. Then copy that thunderbird folder to new PC, (AFTER having installed Thunderbird, but while Thunderbird is NOT running) at c:\users\<yourid>\appdata\roaming. You will overwrite some files and that is intentional. After the copy, start THunderbird and it should immediately recognize the profile.

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David - Excellent suggestion. I moved the profile (ALONG WITH the installs.ini AND profiles.ini up one level) to the desktop and replaced with the Profiles directory and ini files from the old Windows 10 machine. I am back in business but I am out the three and a half months though.

Any suggestions for importing just the Mailbox from one account (I have 5 + some storage under the Local Account) from the Profiles I saved instead of overwriting?

Thanks for the suggestion!

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I went into the Mail of the default profile. I then went into the account name (apparently mail.xxx.com and mail.xxxx-1.com) and moved the Inbox and Inbox.msf and replaced them with the ones from the 'can't access one. Back in business 100%.

Thanks!

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I'm glad all is well again.