See https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/protect-your-thunderbird-passwords-master-password#w_removing-your-master-password

The 'Master Password' is designed to stop people being able to see your saved passwords. It does not stop them from seeing any emails you have downloaded or sending an email from your computer if you have left Thunderbird running and User Account still logged on.

If you do not share the computer or you are not in an environment where there are other people and you have a habit of leaving computer logged on to your User Account when away from computer, then the 'Master Password' is a helpful option.

See info on 'Master Password' : https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/protect-your-thunderbird-passwords-master-password

Please note that whilst general info is correct, the new layout in Thunderbird 78 means the info on where the option is selected is slightly different.

• Menu app icon > Options/Preferences > Privacy & Security
• Under 'Passwords' section
• there is a checkbox 'use a master password'

Note: the 'Saved Passwords' button offers access to any saved passwords. If 'Master Password' is set then you will need it in order to get access to see saved passwords.

If 'Master PAssword' checkbox is selected then a 'Master Password' has been set. You can use the button 'Change Master Password' to modify password, but it does mean you need to know the current Master Password.

If you have forgotten Master Password and need to reset, then you first need to get the old one removed and start again, but this will remove all of your saved usernames and passwords. This is because the 'Master Password' is protecting anyone from simply removing the Master Password and getting access. Follow the instructions for 'Removing your master password if the master password has been forgotten' - same link but a section located further down page.

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/protect-your-thunderbird-passwords-master-password#w_removing-your-master-password-if-the-master-password-has-been-forgotten

Then restart Thunderbird and at the prompt you will need to enter the account password and select the checkbox to remember the password to get it saved. You will also get a prompt when sending first email. Once all account passwords have been saved, then you could select and set the 'Master Password'.

Please note: If you are the only person using computer then you will have good security if your computer 'User Account' has a password, because without it no one can logon to see your desktop, so no one can get Thunderbird opened in that User Account either. But the choice is up to you.

Thank you again, Toad-Hall. You really are one in a billion, truly. No one else has access to my computer, and I thought a Master Password would make life easier, and there was thought. what if thepasowrd doesn't work, there will be massive problems. Woudl have been better to have different passwords for each account. Nevr did I imagine the outcome could be my current situation. I dont think if I ever get out of this situation taht I will take the same risk again. It should be 1,000 (per cent secure) qqnything less is incompetence of the highest order.. Do you agree Toad-Hall, many thanks however.