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How to read Archive.msf and .sbd files stored on backup media without restoring to current profile?

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  • 4 have this problem
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  • Last reply by h_g

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I have stored extensive Archived e-mail files on back-up media in order to release hard disk memory. How can I read selected Archive.sbd and Archive.msf files without restoring them to the current profile? Can I create a new profile and restore them there temporarily?

I have stored extensive Archived e-mail files on back-up media in order to release hard disk memory. How can I read selected Archive.sbd and Archive.msf files without restoring them to the current profile? Can I create a new profile and restore them there temporarily?

Chosen solution

Tbirds mail-container has a pair of files

(1) container-name (with no extension) Here are all emails one after the other. (2) container-name.msf a type of index, if deleted itwill be restored

If there is sub-containers, there is also a container-name.sbd which is a directory (map) Within this directory there are new pairs or even directories.

The files without an extension is the mbox-files. As they exists even when there is just a .sbd directory and no emails you have only to point at this (empty) mbox file to load the entire (folder- map-) directory- tree using the ImportExportTools-addon.

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With a help from an add-on ImportExportTools can you import a singel mbox-file or a mbox-archive You set up a temp local folder in Tbird and import whaat you want into this. When you are finished just delete and compact

Link

Modified by Gnospen

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What's an mbox? The Import tool under Tools doesn't list an mbox. Does this mbox show up in the existing profile? If not, how do you read the contents?

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You need the add-on that Gnospen mentioned.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/addon/importexporttools/

He gave you a link.

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Chosen Solution

Tbirds mail-container has a pair of files

(1) container-name (with no extension) Here are all emails one after the other. (2) container-name.msf a type of index, if deleted itwill be restored

If there is sub-containers, there is also a container-name.sbd which is a directory (map) Within this directory there are new pairs or even directories.

The files without an extension is the mbox-files. As they exists even when there is just a .sbd directory and no emails you have only to point at this (empty) mbox file to load the entire (folder- map-) directory- tree using the ImportExportTools-addon.

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To which of the AddOns listed under Import/Export are you referring? I couldn't find one that would do what you suggest.

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Thank you for your help