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

Thunderbird won't compact folder

  • 4 replies
  • 0 have this problem
  • Last reply by gassajl

more options

I recently started to receive this error message: The folder 'Inbox on gassajx@xxxx.com' could not be compacted because writing to folder failed. Verify that you have enough disk space, and that you have write privileges to the file system, then try again." I have over 300 GB free disk space and full control of the file system. How can I make compacting folders work again?

I recently started to receive this error message: The folder 'Inbox on gassajx@xxxx.com' could not be compacted because writing to folder failed. Verify that you have enough disk space, and that you have write privileges to the file system, then try again." I have over 300 GB free disk space and full control of the file system. How can I make compacting folders work again?

All Replies (4)

more options

Although rare, I have occasionally seen instances where a folder was marked read-only. I suggest checking that in windows file explorer. That may not be it, but worth a check.

Helpful?

more options

My inbox folder has the "Read Only" box blacked out (as opposed to check mark) which is apparently normal and I don't have the ability to change.

Helpful?

more options

"blacked out' doesn't seem to be normal. If this is an IMAP account, you could delete the folder and its msf file and restart thunderbird, which would repopulate the folder.

Helpful?

more options

It turns out, all of my folders, including ones I have created, show the blacked out square for Attributes>"Read Only (Only applies to files in folder)" The files in the folder are not necessarily read only so it is confusing. If I change this setting in Properties and click "Apply" it will revert back to the blacked out square next time I visit the folder. This is why I think it is a common thing across the Win10 platform. My email account is a pop.Mail account.

Helpful?

Ask a question

You must log in to your account to reply to posts. Please start a new question, if you do not have an account yet.