This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Can't transfer emails to new computer

  • 5 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

more options

Followed video and written instructions how to transfer emails to a new computer, but it did not work. Thunderbird folder backed up to flash drive and then pasted to Thunderbird folder on new computer. Emails not transferred to inbox, sent and trash folders. Please help!

Followed video and written instructions how to transfer emails to a new computer, but it did not work. Thunderbird folder backed up to flash drive and then pasted to Thunderbird folder on new computer. Emails not transferred to inbox, sent and trash folders. Please help!

Chosen solution

re : I did see my old profile along with a new profile in the TB folder.

At this point Thunderbird thinks the other profile was default.

Start Profile Manager

In Search type: Run select the 'Run' app. type: thunderbird.exe -p Note : there is a space after the .exe and before the -p click on OK

Does it show your profile? if yes, Select profile and click on Start Thunderbird.

Read this answer in context 👍 2

All Replies (5)

more options

Hi re : Thunderbird folder backed up to flash drive and then pasted to Thunderbird folder on new computer.

That sounds like you have put a Thunderbird folder in a Thunderbird folder which is not stated in the instructions.

Exit Thunderbird. Access profile located her: C:\Users\<Windows user name>\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird Delete the 'Thunderbird' folder. Then copy and paste your backup 'Thunderbird' folder into the 'Roaming' folder. Then start Thunderbird.

more options

Dear Toad-Hall, Thanks for your feedback. Did not see anything in instructions about deleting the Thunderbird folder, but followed your suggestion to delete Thunderbird folder and paste backup TB folder into the roaming folder. Unfortunately, did not work. Emails, etc that were on the flash drive did not appear in the inbox, etc of TB. I did see my old profile along with a new profile in the TB folder. I thought deleting the new profile would make the program default to my old profile, but now when I try to start TB it says can't file my profile. Stupidly did not write down new profile name. If I start over and uninstall and then reinstall TB program and then follow your instructions concerning pasting TB folder into roaming folder, how can I get TB to recognize my old profile? I suspect that would result in all emails appearing in the inbox. Thanks for your assistance.

more options

Chosen Solution

re : I did see my old profile along with a new profile in the TB folder.

At this point Thunderbird thinks the other profile was default.

Start Profile Manager

In Search type: Run select the 'Run' app. type: thunderbird.exe -p Note : there is a space after the .exe and before the -p click on OK

Does it show your profile? if yes, Select profile and click on Start Thunderbird.

more options

It worked!!! Thank you SO MUCH for your help! Happy to recommend you to anyone who needs assistance with Thunderbird.

more options

Good to hear all is now ok.