Join the AMA (Ask Me Anything) with the Firefox leadership team to celebrate Firefox 20th anniversary and discuss Firefox’s future on Mozilla Connect. Mark your calendar on Thursday, November 14, 18:00 - 20:00 UTC!

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

Unable to use profile when you launch an older version of Thunderbird

  • 4 valiny
  • 0 manana an'ity olana ity
  • Valiny farany nomen'i david

more options

Hi, after an update, i have the newest version of Thunderbird installed. Upon starting, it says: "Unable to use profile when you launch an older version of Thunderbird." I cannot start the program. But it is the newest version... What can I do? Thanks Lukas

Hi, after an update, i have the newest version of Thunderbird installed. Upon starting, it says: "Unable to use profile when you launch an older version of Thunderbird." I cannot start the program. But it is the newest version... What can I do? Thanks Lukas

Vahaolana nofidina

@Toad-Hall is correct, but there is also 130.0, available from non-Thunderbird sources, yet advertising it as the latest update.

Hamaky an'ity valiny ity @ sehatra 👍 0

All Replies (4)

more options

What version are you using? that is available at help>about Also, what was previous version? That info is available at settings>general>Updates at 'show update history' button

Helpful?

more options

David, I am on 128.1.1esr, before it was 129 or 130. No idea, why these are higher than current. "Check for updates" says "up to date"

Helpful?

more options

lukas.gysi said

David, I am on 128.1.1esr, before it was 129 or 130. No idea, why these are higher than current. "Check for updates" says "up to date"

The only ones that would be higher are beta versions.

You would only have beta if you had downloaded and installed it.

Do you have any updater software on your computer ? If yes, then you need to access it and make sure Thunderbird is not included. Updater software does not know what is the correct version when it comes to updating.

When major updates occur, it is normal for those currently using Thunderbird to keep receiving updates for the version they are using. Only those who are downloading and installing for the first time would get the latest release. People who were using 115* would recently have been updated to version 115.15.0

So it is important you have Thunderbird in control of the updates. If concerned and you want more control, allow Thunderbird to search for updates and tell you about them but let you choose when to install.

TRy this:

In Thunderbird Help > TRoubleshooting Information Under 'Application Basics' - half way is 'Profile Folders' - click on 'Open Folder'

It opens in a new window showing the contents of your profile name folder.

Exit Thunderbird now.

Locate this file: 'compatibility.ini' Either rename it to say 'compatibility-old.ini' or move it to the desktop where you can keep it as a temp backup. Restart Thunderbird.

Helpful?

more options

Vahaolana Nofidina

@Toad-Hall is correct, but there is also 130.0, available from non-Thunderbird sources, yet advertising it as the latest update.

Helpful?

Mametraha fanontaniana

You must log in to your account to reply to posts. Please start a new question, if you do not have an account yet.