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Use thunderbird on multiple computers with data on server

  • 3 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by sfhowes

DrGraeme
DrGraeme
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I wish to use Thunderbird on my home/office network from multiple computers with data on a central computer. At the moment I need to use mozbackup to transfer data from my desktop to laptop, which is a pain.

Graeme

I wish to use Thunderbird on my home/office network from multiple computers with data on a central computer. At the moment I need to use mozbackup to transfer data from my desktop to laptop, which is a pain. Graeme

Chosen solution

As mentioned already, IMAP is the best method, but you could move the profile folder to the central computer and then have TB on each computer pointed to that location with the help of Profile Manager.

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Moving_your_profile_folder_-_Thunderbird#Use_the_Profile_Manager_to_move_your_profile

Another method is to copy a profile to a network share and start TB with command line arguments that specify the profile.

3rd item: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Synchronizing_mail_on_two_computers

Then there is a method of moving just the mail folders to another location:

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Moving_your_mail_storage_location_%28Thunderbird%29

Read this answer in context 👍 2

All Replies (3)

user01229325
user01229325
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Get an email provider that offers IMAP protocol and set Thunderbird on all computers to use that. IMAP was developed for people that want to access their email from multiple devices.

Educate yourself on the difference between POP and IMAP and decide what is best for you.

DrGraeme
DrGraeme Question owner
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Thanks for the suggestion. However, due to many reasons I want all the data to be stored and accessed from a local server. IMAP is not suitable.

Graeme

sfhowes
sfhowes
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

As mentioned already, IMAP is the best method, but you could move the profile folder to the central computer and then have TB on each computer pointed to that location with the help of Profile Manager.

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Moving_your_profile_folder_-_Thunderbird#Use_the_Profile_Manager_to_move_your_profile

Another method is to copy a profile to a network share and start TB with command line arguments that specify the profile.

3rd item: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Synchronizing_mail_on_two_computers

Then there is a method of moving just the mail folders to another location:

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Moving_your_mail_storage_location_%28Thunderbird%29