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Can't change Incoming Mail notification sound in Windows

  • 5 replies
  • 5 have this problem
  • 26 views
  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

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I am running Windows 10. I want to use the same sound I use in Ubuntu, but I can neither type a path, nor Browse to the right file. Clicking the "Browse..." button acts on the button appearance only, it doesn't present any dialog. I have the radio button ticked for "use the following sound file". It will play the Windows default "Notify" sound when the other option is ticked. It will not play Windows default "New Mail Notification" which I changed to my preference.

I am running Windows 10. I want to use the same sound I use in Ubuntu, but I can neither type a path, nor Browse to the right file. Clicking the "Browse..." button acts on the button appearance only, it doesn't present any dialog. I have the radio button ticked for "use the following sound file". It will play the Windows default "Notify" sound when the other option is ticked. It will not play Windows default "New Mail Notification" which I changed to my preference.

Chosen solution

Just tested in Windows Vista and all seems ok. Tools > Options > General tab Selected 'Play a sound' Selected 'Use the following sound file' click on 'Browse' button Windows Explorer opens a new window called 'Choose sound' allowing me to select where the sound files are located and then selecting a .wav fle and click on 'Open' to insert the file into the text box area.

You could try this: Tools > Options > Advanced > General tab click on 'Config Editor' button In top search type : sound look for these lines:

  • mail.biff.play_sound; Value = true
  • mail.biff.play_sound.type; Value = 1
  • mail.biff.play_sound.url;

double click on that line to open a small window allowing you to enter path where sound file is stored. Try entering the directory location of file: eg: file:///C:/Users/User Account/Music/mail53a.wav

click on Ok close config editor - top right X

reselect General tab to see 'Play a sound' selection. Has it inserted the .wav file ? If yes, click on OK

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All Replies (5)

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Works for me on Windows 7.

Is your experience any different if you hold shift while starting Thunderbird?

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Matt- thanks for your help.

Unfortunately starting T-Bird in Safe mode makes no difference. I can neither browse for nor type a path (can't type anything, really). The box and button both seem to be enabled (flashing cursor in the box, and the button responds to clicks by changing visually- but there's no browse dialog.

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Chosen Solution

Just tested in Windows Vista and all seems ok. Tools > Options > General tab Selected 'Play a sound' Selected 'Use the following sound file' click on 'Browse' button Windows Explorer opens a new window called 'Choose sound' allowing me to select where the sound files are located and then selecting a .wav fle and click on 'Open' to insert the file into the text box area.

You could try this: Tools > Options > Advanced > General tab click on 'Config Editor' button In top search type : sound look for these lines:

  • mail.biff.play_sound; Value = true
  • mail.biff.play_sound.type; Value = 1
  • mail.biff.play_sound.url;

double click on that line to open a small window allowing you to enter path where sound file is stored. Try entering the directory location of file: eg: file:///C:/Users/User Account/Music/mail53a.wav

click on Ok close config editor - top right X

reselect General tab to see 'Play a sound' selection. Has it inserted the .wav file ? If yes, click on OK

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Toad-Hall: You helped me! I edited the config, but I must've gotten something wrong. (I had copied the config from an Ubuntu machine, and it had a UNC-style file path.) Once I edited it and entered the Windows-style file path, then the Browse function worked and I was able to select the right file. Now it works just as I wish! You also showed me how to troubleshoot strange behavior should it ever arise again.

Thanks very much for your help.

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Good to hear all is now working again.