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Can't add unix movemail account on macOS

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by Matt

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I'm trying to read local mail from /var/mail on macOS.

I can put mail there (via postfix I assume) using something like `mail -s "Test mail" username. I can also read it using `mail`.

I have read that in theory, Thunderbird should be able to read this mail too. For example, https://askubuntu.com/questions/301988/using-movemail-with-thunderbird-on-ubuntu

The above link suggests that if I go to Tools->Account Settings, then Account Actions->Add other account, I should find an option to add a 'Unix Mailspool (Movemail)' account.

However, when I go there on mac, I only have the option to add a Newsgroup account. (See attached screenshot)

Is there a way to enable this feature on mac?

I asked a similar question on this closed bug, but was told to come here instead: https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=365879#c6

I'm trying to read local mail from /var/mail on macOS. I can put mail there (via postfix I assume) using something like `mail -s "Test mail" username. I can also read it using `mail`. I have read that in theory, Thunderbird should be able to read this mail too. For example, https://askubuntu.com/questions/301988/using-movemail-with-thunderbird-on-ubuntu The above link suggests that if I go to Tools->Account Settings, then Account Actions->Add other account, I should find an option to add a 'Unix Mailspool (Movemail)' account. However, when I go there on mac, I only have the option to add a Newsgroup account. (See attached screenshot) Is there a way to enable this feature on mac? I asked a similar question on this closed bug, but was told to come here instead: https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=365879#c6
Attached screenshots

All Replies (3)

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did you migrate your profile at some time from windows?

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It was a fresh install on macOS. I have not used Thunderbird on Windows.

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I have no idea then.