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Why can't I import to TB exported LiveMail files?

  • 10 replies
  • 4 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by LeilaYoung

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Just installed TB b/c LiveMail quit working (was in constant send mode). Set up TB and can get & send mail from server. Rebooted. LiveMail now working... Exported "Everything." Back in TB I cannot import. Process seems to be stuck after choosing "Everything" and clicking next. Nothing happens. Seems stuck or frozen. All other programs running fine. (OS=Win7).

Just installed TB b/c LiveMail quit working (was in constant send mode). Set up TB and can get & send mail from server. Rebooted. LiveMail now working... Exported "Everything." Back in TB I cannot import. Process seems to be stuck after choosing "Everything" and clicking next. Nothing happens. Seems stuck or frozen. All other programs running fine. (OS=Win7).

Chosen solution

To import an address book which is in .csv format.

You can use the instructions below, but it may help you to modify the column headers in your saved .csv file to match those headers used in Thunderbird. Any .csv file can be opened using eg: Excel. See this link for a list of the column headers used:

  • In Thunderbird, open 'Address Book'
  • 'Tools' > 'Import'
  • select 'Address books' and click on 'Next'
  • select 'Text file (LDIF, .tab, .csv, .txt)' and click on 'Next'
  • locate the saved .csv file and click on 'Open'
  • you may need to map the column headers to match those in Thunderbird.
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All Replies (10)

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Export the emails as .eml files. Install this addon tool: https://freeshell.de//~kaosmos/mboximport-en.html

use tool to import the .eml files into Thunderbird.

  • in Thunderbird 'Tools' > 'ImportExporttools' > 'import messages'
  • locate the folder where you saved your .eml files
  • select files and click on 'open'
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There is nothing to download at that link.

I have exported as Oultlook Express because I know that's an eml file. Choices were Eudora, Outlook or O Express.

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The download is at the bottom of the page.

Use the link and scroll down to bottom to see download.

  • Save the xpi file to your desktop
  • In Thunderbird, 'Tools' > 'Add-ons'
  • Add-ons Manager opens in new tab
  • click on the daisy wheel icon and select 'Install addon from file'
  • locate the saved .xpi file and click on 'open'

Modified by Toad-Hall

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Sorry I clicked the wrong button to get to this site...

My choices at that link are:


Download ImportExportTools (2.8.0.4 version) from this website

Go to the page at Addons Mozilla Org

A version for Seamonkey can be found at this address.

This article is translated to Serbo-Croatian language by Jovana Milutinovich from Geeks Education.


I downloaded ImportExportTools to my desktop (*.xpi) but cannot initiate installation by clicking on it -- it won't open.

I see there was more to the email but it did not come through to my email. I only see the other info on this site. I will continue...

No, it still won't work. I restarted TB and went to Tools> Import. I chose Everything, like before. The next window comes up (Import Setting and Mail Folders) like it's going to do something and then nothing happens.

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re: ) but cannot initiate installation by clicking on it -- it won't open.

Have you added the Addon to Thunderbird?

  • In Thunderbird, 'Tools' > 'Add-ons'
  • Add-ons Manager opens in new tab
  • click on the daisy wheel icon and select 'Install addon from file'
  • locate the saved .xpi file and click on 'open'

It should show up in the 'Add-ons Manager' tab.

have you restarted Thunderbird? - yes you say you have.

then you said " I restarted TB and went to Tools> Import"

Tools> Import" is incorrect. You need to use the tool you have just added.

  • Select 'Local Folders'
  • in Thunderbird 'Tools' > 'ImportExporttools' > 'import messages'
  • locate the folder where you saved your .eml files
  • select files and click on 'open'

Modified by Toad-Hall

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Using TB 24.4.0...

Just to the right of the searchbar are 3 horizontal lines. I clicked that to get to Tools-> Options. There is no "Add-ons" options there. There is one at the same level as Options; that ontakes me to Add-on Mngr..

It seems that the instructions you give as to location of things/options are close but not quite exact. Could be because I never used TB before. Just wanted you to know this to explain why I'm so slow in resolving this.

I installed the file (ImportExportTools-2.8.0.4.xpi) previously.

Went to Add-ons Mngr. and succesfully imported my inbox. Address book (*.csv) will be a similar procedure? I am modifying it now and will import soon.

I'm looking forward to a MUCH better experience with TB than I had with LiveMail. Mozilla is lucky to have dedicated supporters like you.

I thank-you, Toad Hall, for your patience and persistence.

Leila

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In the newer versions of Thunderbird, the developers thought it would be an improvement to not show all the toolbars and instead they put in a menu icon (3 bar). Unfortunately, they also placed items in different locations in the menu which was not helpful to anyone using the help forums.

Personally, I thought this was not the best option as virtually all help refers to the main toolbars and not all tools are under Tools until you enable the Mail toolbar.

Fortunately, being Thunderbird, you can change this. So, I would recommend that you enable all the toolbars to make life easier.

  • Click on 3 bar menu icon.
  • hover over 'options' and select 'Menu Bar', 'Mail toolbar', 'Status bar' and 'Quick filter bar'.

See image.

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Chosen Solution

To import an address book which is in .csv format.

You can use the instructions below, but it may help you to modify the column headers in your saved .csv file to match those headers used in Thunderbird. Any .csv file can be opened using eg: Excel. See this link for a list of the column headers used:

  • In Thunderbird, open 'Address Book'
  • 'Tools' > 'Import'
  • select 'Address books' and click on 'Next'
  • select 'Text file (LDIF, .tab, .csv, .txt)' and click on 'Next'
  • locate the saved .csv file and click on 'Open'
  • you may need to map the column headers to match those in Thunderbird.
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I've still got hundred and hundreds of addresses to purge from the CSV file. I'll change the headers, no problem. I did try to import it whole and the result was a mess of mis-matches, as you warned about.

I did make all those bars visible. TY

Sure di appreciate the assist'.

TY Leila

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Problems Solved -- but when I click that button I get an error...

Just one hitch in adding the address book:

Add "Screen Name" between "Secondary Email" and Work Phone." It's almost right at the link.

FINI!