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How do I get TB emails from my old disk to my new disk. File transfer is missing.

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  • Last reply by r0dney

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My original disk lost its XP Pro, so I got a new PC. I can still access most files on my old disk, as it is now attached via an external enclosure, but I cannot find how to get access to my old Thunderbird inbox. "File Transfer Wizard" is missing, and MS Search is broken and won't start. T'Bird works fine on the new disk/PC, but I need to look up some correspondence on the old disk. Is there some file I can point T'Bird to, that will contain my old emails ? Can I somehow merge the old and current files so I can search on a subject or person ?

My original disk lost its XP Pro, so I got a new PC. I can still access most files on my old disk, as it is now attached via an external enclosure, but I cannot find how to get access to my old Thunderbird inbox. "File Transfer Wizard" is missing, and MS Search is broken and won't start. T'Bird works fine on the new disk/PC, but I need to look up some correspondence on the old disk. Is there some file I can point T'Bird to, that will contain my old emails ? Can I somehow merge the old and current files so I can search on a subject or person ?

Chosen solution

It seems to work - thanks.

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The old XP profile folder will be in a location like this:

C:\Documents and Settings\<Windows user name>\Application Data\Thunderbird\Profiles\<Profile name>

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Thunderbird

In the profile folder there is a subfolder, Mail, and it has subfolders named for each POP account. In each of those subfolders, find the Inbox file that is large and has no extension (the mbox file).

Next, install ImportExportTools on your new TB setup and import the mbox file according to the instructions given here:

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Importing_folders

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Chosen Solution

It seems to work - thanks.