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Another way to migrate T-bird. . . . ??

  • 6 replies
  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

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I have tried the method in the help/troubleshoot menu, but there is no thunderbird folder when I select "open folder". I copied the files/folders from the other computer to where they should be on Ubuntu linux, but T-bird doesn't see them. I then went to the "profiles" item on the troubleshooting page and copied the files into the folders it listed there, but T-bird still does not see that setup. I had done the "standard" way for migration 6 months ago and it went just as explained, but didn't actually switch to the new computer. So, I uninstalled T-bird and re-installed it on the new computer (linux) and after that, it doesn't recognize the migrated files/folders. Isn't there some way to force it to recognize this configuration? I really want to switch.

I have tried the method in the help/troubleshoot menu, but there is no thunderbird folder when I select "open folder". I copied the files/folders from the other computer to where they should be on Ubuntu linux, but T-bird doesn't see them. I then went to the "profiles" item on the troubleshooting page and copied the files into the folders it listed there, but T-bird still does not see that setup. I had done the "standard" way for migration 6 months ago and it went just as explained, but didn't actually switch to the new computer. So, I uninstalled T-bird and re-installed it on the new computer (linux) and after that, it doesn't recognize the migrated files/folders. Isn't there some way to force it to recognize this configuration? I really want to switch.

All Replies (6)

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Use the Profile Manager to create a new profile then point it to the folder/files that you copied from the old computer and launch this new profile in a new browser. To access the profile manager, go to Troubleshooting information > about:profiles > Create a New Profile. Enter a name for the new profile then choose the profile folder that you copied from the old pc. The About Profiles tab will be updated with the newly created profile. Launch it, confirm that it is exactly as you expect it to be, then access the about profiles tab and set your new profille as the default.

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This sounds like it should work but I can't really follow what you said to do. I don't seem to be able to do it. Maybe I'll try it again tomorrow, but I thought I followed your instructions but when I started T-bird, it didn't come up with my emails in it.

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re :I have tried the method in the help/troubleshoot menu, but there is no thunderbird folder when I select "open folder".

'Open Folder' means it opens showing the contents of the 'profile name' folder. The instructions mention you need to go up two levels to get to the 'Thunderbird' folder. But you do not need that.

re :from the other computer to where they should be on Ubuntu linux

  • What was the OS on the 'other' computer ?
  • What version of Thunderbird are you using on the 'other' computer ?
  • What addons are you using on the 'other' computer ?

If possible, suggest you make sure Thunderbird is up to date on the 'other' computer eg: version 68.7.0 is the current version.

Other than Lightning, remove all other addons from 'other' computer.

  • Then 'Help' > 'Troubleshooting Information' > 'Open Folder'.
  • Now exit Thunderbird this is important.
  • Copy all the files and folders located within the 'profile name' folder.

On Linux computer:

  • Install current version and run and it will auto create a profile name folder.
  • Exit Thunderbird.

Access the default 'profile name' folder. By default I believe it is created here for ubuntu linux:

Paste in the copied files and folders, overwritting all the default files and folders.

Start Thunderbird.

Alternative:

  • On 'other' computer: 'Help' > 'Troubleshooting Information' > 'Open Folder'.
  • Now exit Thunderbird this is important.
  • Go up directory to 'Profiles' folder
  • Copy the actual 'profile name' folder.

On Linux computer:

  • Exit Thunderbird.
  • Access ~/.mozilla-thunderbird
  • Paste in the copied 'profile name' folder.

As per Stans info : Start Thunderbird, access 'about: profile', create a new profile and click on 'Choose', select the 'profile name' folder you just added and click on OK.

Or do not start Thunderbird, but start 'Profile Manager' via terminal.

Then create a new profile, click on 'Choose', select the 'profile name' folder you just added, click on Ok. select checkbox to not ask at start up and click on 'Start Thunderbird'.

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If showing no folders/mail accounts.

  • Exit Thunderbird
  • Access 'profile name' folder
  • delete this file: global-messages-db.sqlite

Start Thunderbird.

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I can't find where to go ask another question. We used to be able to edit our preferences for when Firefox updates. That is no longer there in preferences. They don't allow you to choose how you want your updates to happen. How can I find out where to ask this question?

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Edit > Preferences > Advanced > 'Update' tab

In version 68 *, there are only two options, either auto update or check for update and let me know so i can choose when to do update.

The option to never check for updates was removed because and I quote "We use the Mozilla update service. Mozilla removed the "never check" function and showing a not working option is senseless. The only possibility to block update checking is through the policies. "

It was asked in a bug report, but it not going to change because Thunderbird is using the Mozilla update service and Mozilla (not Thunderbird) has control over that.

If using beta version then I'm aware of a significant changes to menus, but as yet do not know what they will be.