I have read that the folders which were deleted are still in the computer, but the method to restore them was confusing. Does anyone know how this can be done.
I had two accounts in my mail account with the same name. Thinking this was redundant and that both were identical, I deleted the one. When I went into the one which wasn't deleted, it didn't have any of the folders/sub folders I had added. I had read on mozillaZine that they had not completely disappeared, but were in hiding within my computer, but the instructions on how to get these back were confusing. PLEASE, someone tell me how I can restore these folders. I am so frustrated.
All Replies (3)
You were given the procedure in your original post. If you do not understand it you may need to get someone local to you for help.
Please do not start multiple threads for the same problem. Continue your discussion here. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1052899
Lets keep it in this thread since the original one is some 4 1/2 months old and would have been auto locked soon. Plus the old thread was started by somebody else.
Okulungisiwe ngu James
Whilst the original question was asked by someone else and is now getting on with an older date, it does contain all the information magoomartin requires. I have added more detailed instructions to that question should anyone else discover that question.
For the aid of clarity, I have included the same information below. This information should work on MAC and Windows PC as both use the same menu to access Account Settings.
If you used the Account Settings 'Remove Account' to delete the account. That mail should still exist in a child folder in the Mail folder in your profile folder.
First, go to your profile folder and verified that the mail for the deleted account still exists.
Make hidden files and folders visible:
In Thunderbird Help > Troubleshooting Information click on 'Show Folder' button
A new window opens showing the contents of your 'Profile folder name'. The 'profile folder name' will probably be called xxxxxxxx.default, where the x's are letters and numbers.
If performing a backup or modifying any files and folder you must close Thunderbird now before doing anything in Profile - this is important.
If Pop mail account click on 'Mail' folder. You will see a list of mail accounts. One of those mail accounts will be the deleted account. Click on the folder to see files and folders specific to that mail account. If the files sand folders are there then you can proceed to get them back.
The instructions will tell you to create a new mail account in thunderbird and then alter the account settings to link back to the deleted mail account. If the deleted mail account was originally called: example: pop.gmail.com, then when you create a new mail account using same settings, it should create a pop-gmail-1.com mail account. Basically, it will create a new account directory with same name but with a numeric suffix.
So make a note of the name of the original mail account.
1. Backup your Profile. Use the info above to locate your 'Profile folder name' folder. Close thunderbird. Use the right click copy/ paste on that folder to store a copy on desktop for a backup. Tou can also copy it then to an external storage for a true backup. More helpful stuff here:
2. create a new existing mail account using exactly the same server settings as in the original deleted account. File > New > Exisiting Mail Account or Menu icon > New Message > Exisiting Mail Account Enter name, email address and password. click on 'Continue' Thunderbird will try to configure settings. Make sure they are correct - is the correct server type named - pop or imap. the 'Manual Config' button allows you manually edit any settings. When happy click on 'Done' to create the mail account.
It will create a new account directory with a numeric suffix as previously explained.
Do not download any emails.
3. Now you need to point the new mail account in Thunderbird to look for the deleted mail account. Tools > Account Settings > Server Settings for the new pop mail account. or right click on mail account name and select 'Settings' then 'Server Settings' for the new mail account.
At the bottom on the right side, you will see 'Local directory'. It is pointing to your profile name folder and the new mail account. Click on the 'Browse' button. a window opens showing: ... 'Profiles' > 'Profile folder name' > 'Mail' > 'mail account name'.
Note a Mac would have profile here: Mac OS X Profile folders are located here: ~/Library/Thunderbird/Profiles/<Profile name>/
The tilde character (~) refers to the current user's Home folder, so ~/Library is the /Macintosh HD/Users/<username>/Library folder.
Click on 'Mail' to see a drop down of other mail accounts and select the original mail account name. click on 'Select folder' click on 'OK' to close 'Account Settings'.
Close and restart Thunderbird.
Check the accounts inbox folder to see if it has messages. If not then you probably specified the wrong location and need to use the 'Browse' button again.