Way to little info to make a solid judgement either way BUT:

• Is this aging operator using thunderbird as a pop3 or IMAP client?

• Are you noticeably running low on disk space?

• What (if any) Plugins are in play with thunderbird?

• How old is the pc itself, is it like the operator (self admitted) aging, and possibly in need of a tuneup ?

Thank you! I cannot remember which--pop3 or IMAP--I'll try to check I seem to have plenty of disc space. How would I recognise a Plugin?! Like Methusela, i cannot remember when we were born--say 6 yearrs, in the case of the computer. It's working well enoough in most ways, I have learned to be distrustfull of "tune-ups", and I'm not inclined to dismantle it and leave it with the retailer for XX weeks. (At 92, my prospets are not that long!) Slowness must perhaps be part of my life. (There are worse conditions!)

1. I've checked that my server is iMAP 2.I've learnt that "plug-ins" are "add-ons"; I've disabled three out of five (Flash, Filter &c), and I'll see if there is any difference. I use Roboform Toolbar, and a PDF Converter HQ reader. (Mozilla is slow to appear on screen.)