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all my files are duplicated with the extension msf: how to stop that

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  • 2 have this problem
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  • Last reply by Zenos

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In all folders with documents and images, all files are duplicated with the extension .msf in addition all maps are duplicated with the extension .sbd how do I stop this from happening and how do I delete all those superfluous files and maps?

In all folders with documents and images, all files are duplicated with the extension .msf in addition all maps are duplicated with the extension .sbd how do I stop this from happening and how do I delete all those superfluous files and maps?

All Replies (4)

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That's normal, Thunderbird creates such files when managing your email.

Other than having many files, is there a specific problem this is causing you ?

.MSF files are used to index email and .SBD directories will mirror your folders hierarchy. To my knowledge MSF files will be regenerated every time you restart Thunderbird and access folders with missing .msf file, I am not sure about .SBD folders though.

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What does "all folders" mean?

I suspect you have pointed Thunderbird to use your Documents folder.

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Yes, I've installed Thunderbird there to ensure it gets back-upped with the standard. But now I have twice the files and maps! do I need to uninstall and install again somwhere else to get rid of these files and maps? No problem for me to use mozbackup if that is needed to get rid of these "extras"

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If Thunderbird looks at where the profile is set and discovers files there, it is likely to assume that they are related to email and so will start indexing and organizing them.

Your profile is hidden away in a safe place for good reason.

Is it really so hard to extend your backup to cover …\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird?

Just what did you change to get your files moved to where you think they are easier to backup?