http://kb.mozillazine.org/Global_Inbox

Thank you Airmail but this version i just downloaded does not show anything about a global inbox

Are you using POP or IMAP?

Imap for all of the accounts

I guess you missed the part of the linked article that said global accounts are for POP. It gave links to suggestions for IMAP.

i guess i did, sorry. I'll read it again and take a look at the links suggested. i might have to keep using windows live mail

Unified inboxes on IMAP email is problematic since IMAP is server based and that is where your inbox is. Unlike POP that downloads messages to your local computer and that is where your inbox resides.

Thank you for your help

To cut to the quick, try

View|Folders|Unified in the menu.

No menu? Hold down the alt key and tap v.