Ok, tell some of your challenges, stuff that isn't working. We can fix the threading, so share more and we'll try to assist. Thank you.

Thank you! Let's fix the search bar first. No longer works at all, like I ask it to search and it comes back with nothing when I know the things I am asking it to find are in my mail. It is a different format than it used to be. Many thanks!

First, make sure we have a common understand of works and what doesn't. Precise examples are required.

Also see https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/global-search/

How do I stop the threading

is there a way to upload a picture so you can see search bar prob?

First, you can create a screenshot and upload with a response. There is a button at bottom of response section for that.

Second, for threading: Here is official documentation: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/message-threading-thunderbird

FOR NEW FOLDERS To change default for *new* folders, In config editor, you can change default that applies to NEW folders you set up: mailnews.default_view_flags 0 =unthreaded

Config editor is available at Tools>settings>general and scroll to bottom right.

 ------------

FOR EXISTING FOLDERS These steps may help: To set many *existing* folders, follow these steps: This must be done on an account by account basis.

1. select table view - the icon just to right of 'quick filter' button above message list pane
2. select a message folder and apply all desired attributes - View>sort by from menu bar (if not shown, click alt key)
3. click the icon at right side of column display in message list pane
4. select the entry near bottom 'Apply current view to...'
5. highlight 'folder and children'
6. move mouse left to see account name and move left again to display all account folders. Now CLICK. a small menu will appear to confirm setting all folders within that account.

I did a simple (okay, crude) video at https://davidkirk.org/SettingDefaultFolderView.mp4

FOR FUTURE INSTALLATIONS ALSO, for future installations of Thunderbird, - create a simple text file with name of user.js with these lines:

    // Set default threading to UNthreaded  ###   <== this line is optional, just for documentation
    user_pref("mailnews.default_view_flags", 0);

- install Thunderbird and exit prior to setting up accounts - copy the user.js file into the profile - now, when you start Thunderbird, unthreading will be the default. Problem solved.

pix of my search bar, not at all like the past one that worked fantastic for me

So for the unthreading, I don't have threading in the folders, just all the incoming, did you explain how to stop that in the above? So much great info and thanks for the video. Sorry moving and packing today too. Wish I could screen share you could probably fix issues in seconds.

Like why do I have multiple in boxes and sent boxes and sets of folders..think maybe the person who used to help me might have uploaded Thunderbird multiple times? I need some of my very old history or I would start over. But would definitely like to merge it all.Sometimes they very old comes to the top above the current. LIke I said...really a mess! And I do really like Thunderbird has been fantastic for so long.

But the search not working, and e-mails not loading right and the threading are just destroying it for me.

Thanks again for all your help!

Well, we're making progress. If/when you have time, please do a screenshot of your profile folder that has the mail (imapmail for IMAP and Mail for POP. That will help us help you in deciphering the various accounts and folders. ALSO, please install a simple screen snapshot tool, such as the free one (sniptool) at https://www.reasyze.com/ - taking photos with phones doesn't work well.

TWO TIPS:

1. for now, I suggest turning autoupdate OFF until you get this all settled. Do that at settings>general to notify you but let you decide.

2. be sure to do a BACKUP periodically, so if you make any substantive mistakes, you can fix quickly. here are my steps:

here is the info in brief steps:

BACKUP

1. ensure thunderbird is not running
2. enter %appdata% in search window on task bar and press Enter key
3. this should open windows file explorer in Appdata\roaming folder
4. highlight the Thunderbird folder and copy to external media

RESTORE

1. ensure thunderbird is installed and NOT running
2. enter %appdata% in search window on task bar and press Enter key
3. you should be in Appdata\roaming folder , copy&paste the exported Thunderbird folder there. This may prompt to overwrite an existing folder of same name. allow it
4. start thunderbird and all should be there

Ok, keep us posted on progress.

On the search bar: that photo tells us nothing, as that is how it appears. be sure to follow @Wayne's instructions to verify that global indexing is set at settings>general (near the very bottom of that pane). Otherwise, search doesn't work.

Thanks guys! Really appreciate the info and great instructions.

another problem...Thunderbird keeps asking for my gmail password...over and over even though I click the remember

Is there a way to archive the whole mess I have and start fresh with ability to go in and access what I want from the old? And would want to bring my addresses over or at least a good many of them?

another issue, when I delete one e-mail, my whole in box empties, I have to go to another folder and return to the in box to see e-mails, so many issues I have never had to deal with

In regards to this: On the search bar: that photo tells us nothing, as that is how it appears. be sure to follow @Wayne's instructions to verify that global indexing is set at settings>general (near the very bottom of that pane). Otherwise, search doesn't work.

my Indexing was already set to check box--enable global search & indexing

                mesage store type file per folder

check box-- use hardware acceleratioin when available

Search is NOT working

autoupdate turned off and was able to turn off the threading downloaded sniptool how do I fix search?

cannot find If/when you have time, please do a screenshot of your profile folder that has the mail (imapmail for IMAP and Mail for POP

YES, let's start over. We're playing 'whack a mole" - problem seems to change with each post. Are your email accounts IMAP or POP or a mix of the two? That will dictate the complexity of starting over so a more informed assessment can be done.