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lost folders/files but can see them in the profile

  • 7 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by gsawkins

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I have lost folders from my local server where I was storing email. Using pop and it has created a new pop.xxx-1.com file on my computer to store the mail I have moved. The latest one was created early this month but does not contain links to all the folders under the previous one. How do I get the files/folders back to add to them?

I have lost folders from my local server where I was storing email. Using pop and it has created a new pop.xxx-1.com file on my computer to store the mail I have moved. The latest one was created early this month but does not contain links to all the folders under the previous one. How do I get the files/folders back to add to them?

Chosen solution

A pointer on file names.

SDB tells Thunderbird that the folder has sub folder. It actually contains them as well. MSF files are the index into the mail folder. It also stores Tags but it's primary purpose is as an index. Files without extensions are the actual mail.

Before you try a restore from backup which will most likely loose something. Check your anti virus has not got the file in it's quarantine. Fairly common as they scan with new definitions and find something 6 months old that is not a risk.

As for your mozbackup. To make working with it easy, change the file extension to ZIP. then you can use it as any other Zip file. (windows will open it as a folder in explorer) The file you seek will be in exactly the same relative position in the Zip as mozbackup maintains the folder structure of the profile.

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The only way you get those numbered folders is if you're adding an account on the same server. So just what is it you have done to get where you are?

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gsawkins said

I have lost folders from my local server where I was storing email. Using pop and it has created a new pop.xxx-1.com file on my computer to store the mail I have moved. The latest one was created early this month but does not contain links to all the folders under the previous one. How do I get the files/folders back to add to them?
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I completed upgrade to T38.0 but do not think that was the cause of the problem. Otherwise did nothing. I think it has to do with the size of my files but on the road so cannot access the main computer for my email. Will be back on Friday and can get you more info.

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TRy pointing the directory to the original account.

Tools > Account Settings > Server Settings for the pop mail account or right on mail account name in folder pane and choose 'Settings' then select Server Settings for the pop mail account

under Local directory: click on 'Browse' and navigate to the correct directory.

click on all OK's.

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Thanks but did not work.

I can see what the problem is but cannot figure out how to fix it. In the pop folder, there is a .SBD folder where there is a sub folder, see image. I have lost the related files/subfolders for one file marked "Commercial".

How and where do I find a copy of the file, I backup monthly using MOZBACKUP so could pick it up there possibly.

Only thing I can think of is upgraded from T31 to T38 and problem appeared. Might be an upgrade issue.

Modified by gsawkins

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Chosen Solution

A pointer on file names.

SDB tells Thunderbird that the folder has sub folder. It actually contains them as well. MSF files are the index into the mail folder. It also stores Tags but it's primary purpose is as an index. Files without extensions are the actual mail.

Before you try a restore from backup which will most likely loose something. Check your anti virus has not got the file in it's quarantine. Fairly common as they scan with new definitions and find something 6 months old that is not a risk.

As for your mozbackup. To make working with it easy, change the file extension to ZIP. then you can use it as any other Zip file. (windows will open it as a folder in explorer) The file you seek will be in exactly the same relative position in the Zip as mozbackup maintains the folder structure of the profile.

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Looks like it worked even though the file size was 0 bytes, guess it just needed the pointer that there are additional subfolders.