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Version 38.5.1 won't download messages

  • 8 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by philip79

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After downloading and installing version 38.5.1 I could no longer download or send any messages to any of my email accounts configured in Thunderbird. I noticed that both version 38.5.0 and 38.5.1 were both installed according to the Windows 7 Programs. I uninstalled v38.5.1 and immediately the messages began flowing once again. The same has happened once again last night after installing v38.6.0. Again both version were present in the Control Panel/Programs... So I uninstalled v38.6.0. So what is the problem, is there a difference between the update notices version and the versions of the Mozilla web site, why are both versions installed instead of uninstalling the older version? Thanks.

After downloading and installing version 38.5.1 I could no longer download or send any messages to any of my email accounts configured in Thunderbird. I noticed that both version 38.5.0 and 38.5.1 were both installed according to the Windows 7 Programs. I uninstalled v38.5.1 and immediately the messages began flowing once again. The same has happened once again last night after installing v38.6.0. Again both version were present in the Control Panel/Programs... So I uninstalled v38.6.0. So what is the problem, is there a difference between the update notices version and the versions of the Mozilla web site, why are both versions installed instead of uninstalling the older version? Thanks.

Chosen solution

I have downloaded and installed version 38.7.2 and it is working properly as far as I can tell at this point. I believe that Matt was correct about Norton Security causing the problem. It apparently updates itself in spite of the settings and then it requires a reboot to get everything installed properly. I periodically have to reboot my PC, which runs 24x7, even if nothing new is known to have been installed. Thanks again for all of your assistance and recommendations.

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All Replies (8)

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What AV or firewall do you use? Had it been told to permit the latest versions of Thunderbird?

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Norton AV and I have never configured it for any of the previous versions of Thunderbird.

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If you have Norton and Thunderbird, then Norton will have the setting to block or allow Thunderbird.

When Thunderbird updates, the old one should have been removed, so that you only have the new one installed. If you are discovering there are two versions in Start > Settings > Programs & Features, then Norton can get well confused as it still thinks it should be running the old version. I have Norton and over the years on two TB update occassions it has just blocked everything. Fortunately it doesn't happen too frequently :)

Uninstalling TB program should not effect Profile folders as they are stored in different locations. however, for piece of mind, suggest you create a backup of your Profile. http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_backup

Suggest you uninstall all versions of thunderbird. Then download and install fresh from here: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/all/

choose the prefered language and download for your OS.

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Uninstalled v38.5.0, downloaded v38.6.0 from Mozilla web site. rebooted as required after uninstall, installed v38.6.0 and still unable to download email messages from my ISPs that include Yahoo/AT&T and Gmail. So its back to v38.5.0 again. Very disappointed.

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After downloading/installing version 38.5.1 or 38.6.0 Restart TB in SAfe Mode Help > restart with addons disabled

Report on results.

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I have no add-ons enabled so none to restart with add=ons disabled. Thanks.

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philip79 said

I have no add-ons enabled so none to restart with add=ons disabled. Thanks.


Safe mode is not just about add-ons, although that are the major part.

Personally I think you need to check your Norton firewall. Not fiddle with Thunderbird at all. Norton's blocks every update of Thunderbird for some people. The reasons for such I am unable to establish. I have never been able to get anyone at Norton to explain. Apparently I am unworthy of an explanation as I do not work for Mozilla.

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Chosen Solution

I have downloaded and installed version 38.7.2 and it is working properly as far as I can tell at this point. I believe that Matt was correct about Norton Security causing the problem. It apparently updates itself in spite of the settings and then it requires a reboot to get everything installed properly. I periodically have to reboot my PC, which runs 24x7, even if nothing new is known to have been installed. Thanks again for all of your assistance and recommendations.