Can't get thunderbird to recognize my old profile backup what can I do?
I have gone to help then troubleshoot, then show folder and found where the current installation of Thunderbird kept my profile. I have a backup of my profile (from another version of Thunderbird) and copied it to that folder on top of the current one. It did not work so, I created a new profile via going to: thunderbird.exe -p and opening the manager and when I put the old backup in the newly created profile that didn't work. Thunderbird opens up as a new install and does not read the profile. Everytime I create a new profile it creates a DEFAULT on and uses that when Thunderbird open. I am feed up and going to use a different email client. Since that lack of support and not being able to put on an old version of Thunderbird I am not going to waste anymore time. I have been at this for 2 hrs yesterday and 4 hrs today. Good bye to what use to be the BEST email client out there. A very sad longtime user.
Chosen solution
There are two common problem with folk copying profiles.
1. They copy only the current folder and none of the sub folders. I think that might have something to do with how windows does things, but it is a pain. Always right click a folder you are copying and select properties. do the same with the copy. Are the numbers of files and folders the same.
2. They copy the profile whatever.default into the new profile folder. but replace nothing as the old profile effectively becomes a sub folder of the new. When copying you will receive lotys of replace existing file errors to which you say yes. If you do not get the error. You are almost certainly copying into the wrong location.
Finally, unless you have fiddled with the account directories in account settings. The easiest way to copy is type %appdata% into a windows run dialog (windows key+R) and press enter.
When the wondows file manager opens locate the Thunderbird folder and copy it and all of it's sub folders to your USB drive.
On your new machine repeat the %appdata% and copy from your USB drive to replace the existing Thunderbird folder. This does work better than trying to copy the profile folder only.
Lastly. If you have changes the account directories in account settings. The physical locations and their contents that they have been changed to will need to be replicated on the new device.
Read this answer in context 👍 1All Replies (2)
Chosen Solution
There are two common problem with folk copying profiles.
1. They copy only the current folder and none of the sub folders. I think that might have something to do with how windows does things, but it is a pain. Always right click a folder you are copying and select properties. do the same with the copy. Are the numbers of files and folders the same.
2. They copy the profile whatever.default into the new profile folder. but replace nothing as the old profile effectively becomes a sub folder of the new. When copying you will receive lotys of replace existing file errors to which you say yes. If you do not get the error. You are almost certainly copying into the wrong location.
Finally, unless you have fiddled with the account directories in account settings. The easiest way to copy is type %appdata% into a windows run dialog (windows key+R) and press enter.
When the wondows file manager opens locate the Thunderbird folder and copy it and all of it's sub folders to your USB drive.
On your new machine repeat the %appdata% and copy from your USB drive to replace the existing Thunderbird folder. This does work better than trying to copy the profile folder only.
Lastly. If you have changes the account directories in account settings. The physical locations and their contents that they have been changed to will need to be replicated on the new device.
Thank you Matt I followed your instructions and it took me two times but the second time it worked perfectly. I am so ever grateful I had so much to lose and you have save me many things. God Bless you and you have a wonderful year. Donna aka gramme