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

Moving message filters from POP3 to IMAP

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 15 views
  • Last reply by christ1

more options

I just created a new IMAP account in thunderbird for my email account. I was using the same email account name (in pop3) and have a number of filter messages set up. I have been moving my folders over from POP3 to the IMAP account, but will my filter messages still work on the IMAP account or do I have to do something to make this happen? THanks!

I also see when I move my folders from the POP3 to the IMAP, my IMAP account has a padlock on it. So I can't move my folders into the root as a new folder, they can only be a subfolder of the inbox. Is this OK?

thanks, Kristi

I just created a new IMAP account in thunderbird for my email account. I was using the same email account name (in pop3) and have a number of filter messages set up. I have been moving my folders over from POP3 to the IMAP account, but will my filter messages still work on the IMAP account or do I have to do something to make this happen? THanks! I also see when I move my folders from the POP3 to the IMAP, my IMAP account has a padlock on it. So I can't move my folders into the root as a new folder, they can only be a subfolder of the inbox. Is this OK? thanks, Kristi

All Replies (3)

more options
will my filter messages still work on the IMAP account ...?

The file that stores your filter settings is called "msgFilterRules.dat". Each account will have its own "msgFilterRules.dat" file, stored in the "Local Directory" for the account in your profile. The Local Directory is specified at the bottom of Tools -> Account Settings -> Server Settings, right by the Browse button. The filters for Local Folders are stored in the Mail\Local Folders directory in the profile.

If you want to duplicate an accounts filters in another account you don't need to create them again. Exit Thunderbird and copy the "msgFilterRules.dat" file instead. If the account is in another profile and it uses custom headers you will also need to copy the mailnews.customHeaders setting from prefs.js.

my IMAP account has a padlock on it.

The padlock indicates a secure connection to the server. This is what you want.

I can't move my folders into the root as a new folder, they can only be a subfolder of the inbox.

You'll need to check with your email provider. If this is a Gmail account, that's the way it is.

more options

thanks so much - you answered all my questions! Kristi

more options

When your problem is fixed, can you mark the topic as 'Solved' please? Thank you.