Migrate and update 52.9.1 from Win7 to Win10
Currently I am running Thunderbird 52.9.1 on Windows 7, without add-ons, extensions, or Lightning.
I'm setting up a new Win10 PC. I figure it's time to update Thunderbird to a more current version on the new PC.
What is generally considered to be the best and most stable recent version?
I have read the process on how to update from older previous versions that goes like this:
Backup your profile. Then install and run each of the following versions for your OS and language which you will find at http://archive.mozilla.org/pub/thunderbird/releases/ 5.0 for example http://archive.mozilla.org/pub/thunderbird/releases/5.0/win32/en-US/
12.0.1 (15.0.1 skip) 17.0.8 24.8.0 (38.0.8 skip) 45.8.0 52.9.1
Then do Help > About until you get to version 68. Stay on version 68 until you get prompted to update to version 78.
Since I already am at 52.9.1 on Win7 I assume I should:
- backup my 52.9.1 profile on Win7 (see questions below about profile),
- install 52.9.1 on Win10 and run it,
- then do Help > About until I get to version 68. Stay on version 68 until I get prompted to update to version 78.
Is that what I should do?
I will have the same drives and folders structure in place on Win10 as I do on Win7. My plan is to copy my backed up 52.9.1 profile on Win7 to that same corresponding folder on Win10.
Is that what I should do?
Should I copy my backed up 52.9.1 profile from Win7 to Win10 before or after I install 52.9.1 on Win 10?
Should I run 52.9.1 on Win10 for the first time before or after I have copied my backed up 52.9.1 profile from Win7 to that same corresponding folder on Win10?
Is there anything else I should be aware of?
Thanks!
All Replies (4)
Bumping because I haven't found answers to the following questions by searching here or outside of here.
Please see my OP above. (Thanks)
I will have the same drives and folders structure in place on Win10 as I do on Win7. My plan is to copy my backed up 52.9.1 profile on Win7 to that same corresponding folder on Win10.
Is that what I should do?
Should I copy my backed up 52.9.1 profile from Win7 to Win10 before or after I install 52.9.1 on Win 10?
Should I run 52.9.1 on Win10 for the first time before or after I have copied my backed up 52.9.1 profile from Win7 to that same corresponding folder on Win10?
Is there anything else I should be aware of?
Thanks!
Since I already am at 52.9.1 on Win7 I assume I should: - backup my 52.9.1 profile on Win7
Yes.
install 52.9.1 on Win10 and run it,
No. Upgrade Thunderbird on the old computer to the latest version as outlined above. On the new computer start with the latest release version (currently 78.11.0).
My plan is to copy my backed up 52.9.1 profile on Win7 to that same corresponding folder on Win10.
First upgrade to the latest release version on the old computer. Then transfer the upgraded profile to the new computer already running the latest version. Follow these instructions to transfer the profile. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/moving-thunderbird-data-to-a-new-computer
Modified by christ1
@christ1 - Thanks for your response!
I have additional questions, please, now that I am about to move Thunderbird . . .
My target Win10 PC is 64-bit.
When I go to download the current version of Thunderbird will it automatically send me the 64-bit version?
Is there any reason to prefer the 32-bit version over the 64-bit version of Thunderbird or vice-versa?
Which version would you recommend?
I assume that if things go south at any point while I am updating my old Win7 PC from v52 to v78 that I can:
- uninstall whatever version of Thunderbird I have updated to, - reinstall v52.9.1, - make sure v52.9.1 points to my backed up v52.9.1 profile, - and I will be back to where I was before I started updating.
Is this correct?
Thanks!
When I go to download the current version of Thunderbird will it automatically send me the 64-bit version?
Presumably it would, but I'm not 100% sure. You can use this link to explicitly select the desired version (and language). https://www.thunderbird.net/thunderbird/all/
Is there any reason to prefer the 32-bit version over the 64-bit version of Thunderbird or vice-versa? Which version would you recommend?
Not in terms of functionality and performance. However, 64-bit is the future, and 32-bit will become less relevant, so I'd go for the 64-bit version.
I assumeI assume that if things go south at any point while I am updating my old Win7 PC from v52 to v78 that I can: that if things go south at any point while I am updating my old Win7 PC from v52 to v78 that I can: ... Is this correct?
That's correct. Backing up your profile prior to making changes is key. See https://support.mozilla.org/kb/profiles-where-thunderbird-stores-user-data#w_backing-up-a-profile