We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Syncing emails with pc and Thunderbird portable

  • 5 replies
  • 10 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Matt

more options

I have thunderbird on my pc, and on my memory stick as a portable app. How can I sync both, so I have the same folders/emails on both. I use the portable version on Mondays to Fridays, but the pc one at weekends. I want emails I haven't deleted to be on both. What I don't want is all the junk mail I delete when at home, to also appear again on my flash drive, so I have to go through them all again. If that makes sense.

I have thunderbird on my pc, and on my memory stick as a portable app. How can I sync both, so I have the same folders/emails on both. I use the portable version on Mondays to Fridays, but the pc one at weekends. I want emails I haven't deleted to be on both. What I don't want is all the junk mail I delete when at home, to also appear again on my flash drive, so I have to go through them all again. If that makes sense.

All Replies (5)

more options

Hi Robm1955.

If you are connecting to your mailbox from multiple places (or Thunderbird instances) and want them to sync, you probably would like to setup an IMAP account instead of POP3. Switch from POP to IMAP account help article will tell you more about how it works and what are the set up steps, if your mailbox provider supports IMAP.

Best regards, Michal

more options

Unfortunately, 2 of the accounts are old 'Freeserve' accounts, and only support Pop3.

more options

In that case you cannot easily sync your e-mails without bringing the stick with you or using some sync services like Dropbox or similar running on all computers where you have Thunderbird (despite these services can sync your Thunderbird data, they may also very easily break it).

more options

Thanks for that. I'll have to look into getting rid of the old accounts.

more options

create an account with one of the free providers that supports IMAP. use the web site of the provider to set your new account to collect mail from your old freeserve accounts. This is usually done using pop on about a 15 minute schedule.

Now use your new IMAP account in Thunderbird. You get to keep your old email addresses and get the sync your looking for.