First, do not use mozbackup. Even the mozback website says to not use. TRANSFER::: Here is the link for moving a profile in Windows when installed in default location:

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/moving-thunderbird-data-to-a-new-computer

here is the info in brief steps:

1. ensure thunderbird is not running on old machine
2. enter %appdata% in search window on task bar and press Enter key
3. this should open windows file explorer in Appdata\roaming folder
4. highlight the Thunderbird folder and copy to external media
5. ensure thunderbird is installed on second computer and NOT running
6. enter %appdata% in search window on task bar and press Enter key
7. you should be in Appdata\roaming folder , copy&paste the exported Thunderbird folder there. This may prompt to overwrite an existing folder of same name. allow it
8. start thunderbird and all should be there

This process copies everything that is in the profile. Be sure that thunderbird is NOT running on either PC.

Thank you - I'll do a mega backup and transfer at the weekend. I'm not so worried about the Current folders since they are all IMAP so should be preserved - is that right? Can you reassure me that all the Local Folders will also be transferred across? Do I need to do any compacting, and should I do this before or after transfer? Sorry to be so cowardly, I am terrified of losing material.

Also, can I install 64-bit on the new laptop and copy over the old 32-bit profile? If not, is there any problem in continuing to use a 32 bit Thunderbird? I am getting a lot of hanging/not responding in the current TB. Note I'll upgrade to 5.2esr before I do that. Do you know if the hanging problems are less with version 5.2?

again huge thanks

Kate

Copying with windows file explorer will ensure that every character is copied, but be sure that thunderbird is not running or some data will be missing. I suggest emptying trash and junk and compacting to reduce the profile size. You're right, that IMAP will self-restore if needed. I am not familiar with 32-bit, but the profile is just data, not software. On restarting on new PC, if there is an incompatibility message, exit and look for a compatibility.ini file in profile and delete it. Keep the old PC until all is stable. Sometimes, an error or oversight happens during transfer. In such rare instances, though, any missing data on old PC can be copied and replaced piecemeal with windows file explorer. Once everything is working, I suggest using same copy steps to create a backup. And do that regularly. If you encounter a problem, don't act quickly; pause and let us know. This transfer is a no-braining 99% of the time. :)

Thank you - rest assured I'll be straight back here if I have any problems!

all very best wishes

Kate

Hi David - I'm still setting everything up, and I have a couple more questions:

Firstly, I have two profiles: a 'default' and a 'default-release'. The latter is bigger than the former, but the 'default' one is still quite large and has all the same folders. I am on the 'esr update channel' does that identify it?

Secondly, all the IMAP folders are named as 'download serverURL' plus a number. The download server has changed since they were first set up (and is correct in the folder settings) presumably that doesn't make any difference to anything?

Thirdly, elsewhere someone suggests to install and run 'as administrator' - is this a good idea? I am the only one using this computer.

thanks again in advance

Kate

Hello, Kate, - For the profile, there is a file, profiles.ini, in the thunderbird folder. It is a simple text file that you can open with Notepad. That file has the name of the profile in use and will identify the right one. This step isn't needed, as when thunderbird starts, it will automatically read that file and load the proper profile. - On the server names, I am puzzlied. Did you make the copy with Windows File Explorer? The names should be identical to the names as shown on old PC. Did you accidentally use Mozback instead? This needs to be checked. Look at profile on old PC and compare names to what you copied. - I have never used the Administrator role. That's all I can share on the topic. Like you, I'm the sole user on this PC.

Let me know what you find on the server names. The copy you did should (Must) be a mirror match of the old PC.

Hi David, I haven't actually sone anything yet! Just making sure I understand how to do it. This is the profiles.ini file, showing two profiles. I think the default-release one is the one I am using. The mail folder names date back several installations ago - I've been using TB for at least fifteen years...

[Install8216C80C92C4E828] Default=Profiles/9zkkis7i.default-release Locked=1

[Profile1] Name=default IsRelative=1 Path=Profiles/0pxqj92w.default Default=1

[Profile0] Name=default-release IsRelative=1 Path=Profiles/9zkkis7i.default-release

[General] StartWithLastProfile=1 Version=2

I don't mean to scare you with all of this. Yes, it seems the default-release is the one. Anyway, the primary reason when transferring profiles by copying the Thunderbird folder and not just the profile itself is that, by copying the Thunderbird folder, Thunderbird will automatically know which profile to use. This is a transparent process to the user. TIP: If the unused profile is taking up a lot of space, it can be safely deleted (but do so after the transfer, just being safe).

You're being incredibly kind and patient! Should I then copy over the profiles.ini file as well, complete with the spare profile? If I then delete the redundant profile later, will the profiles.ini file update itself or should I edit it to avoid any conflicts?

all best

Kate

Ok, my fault for dragging you into the details. Just follow the above steps where it specifies to copy the Thunderbird folder. That includes everything, as the profiles.ini and the profile folder are all inside that folder. By focusing on the THunderbird folder, the details are automatically preserved. Deleting the unused profile after everything is done has no effect on THunderbird and the profiles.ini file doesn't care. Thunderbird is actually a stupid client, in that it uses what is there and doesn't question why something not needed has been removed.

OK. Thank you so much. I'll report back when everything's done and dusted - or earlier if there are problems! I have to go and clear my head now (FCVO clearing!) by sorting out the Christmas present lists....

all best wishes

Kate