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Synchronizing Thunderbird across 3 computers

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  • Last reply by david

Alan615
Alan615
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I have 3 computers and I want to make sure Thunderbird is synchronized on all 3. Yes, I have checked your forums for help. Here’s my configuration:

Main PC – used daily. Thunderbird has 4 email accounts. One is IMAP, the others are POP. Backup PC – Used only occasionally. files on this computer are synchronized with the Main PC about once per month. The email accounts are the same as the main computer. Laptop – Used only occasionally. files on this computer are synchronized with the Main PC about once per month. The email accounts are the same as the main computer.

I have read articles on how to move profiles, but I have not come across one that does what I want to do. Also, I am confused about whether filters can be duplicated on more than one computer. I have seen suggestions to just use IMAP (which might work for some, but not all, accounts), but that doesn’t address how to copy filters and keep them synchronized.

Here’s what I would like to do.

Step 1: Back up Main PC Step 2: Copy Thunderbird emails and filters from that backup to the Backup PC Step 3: Copy Thunderbird emails and filters from that backup to the Laptop.

When all steps are completed, I would expect that if I open Thunderbird on either the Backup PC or the Laptop that all messages, folders, and filers would be exactly like those on the Main PC.

Is this possible? If so, what must I do to ensure everything works as I would like?

Thanks, Alan

I have 3 computers and I want to make sure Thunderbird is synchronized on all 3. Yes, I have checked your forums for help. Here’s my configuration: Main PC – used daily. Thunderbird has 4 email accounts. One is IMAP, the others are POP. Backup PC – Used only occasionally. files on this computer are synchronized with the Main PC about once per month. The email accounts are the same as the main computer. Laptop – Used only occasionally. files on this computer are synchronized with the Main PC about once per month. The email accounts are the same as the main computer. I have read articles on how to move profiles, but I have not come across one that does what I want to do. Also, I am confused about whether filters can be duplicated on more than one computer. I have seen suggestions to just use IMAP (which might work for some, but not all, accounts), but that doesn’t address how to copy filters and keep them synchronized. Here’s what I would like to do. Step 1: Back up Main PC Step 2: Copy Thunderbird emails and filters from that backup to the Backup PC Step 3: Copy Thunderbird emails and filters from that backup to the Laptop. When all steps are completed, I would expect that if I open Thunderbird on either the Backup PC or the Laptop that all messages, folders, and filers would be exactly like those on the Main PC. Is this possible? If so, what must I do to ensure everything works as I would like? Thanks, Alan

Chosen solution

To ensure that all PCs are always in sync, all accounts must be IMAP, no exceptions. Once you have one PC set the way you like, you can copy the profile and place on the other two. That, of course, does not include synchronizing Local Folders for the very reason that they're local. To copy a profile, follow these steps:

Here is the link for moving a profile in Windows when installed in default location: 

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/moving-thunderbird-data-to-a-new-computer

here is the info in brief steps:

  1. ensure thunderbird is not running on old PC
  2. enter %appdata% in search window on task bar and press Enter key
  3. this should open windows file explorer in Appdata\roaming folder
  4. highlight the Thunderbird folder and copy to external media
  5. ensure thunderbird is installed on second computer and NOT running
  6. enter %appdata% in search window on task bar and press Enter key
  7. you should be in Appdata\roaming folder , copy&paste the exported Thunderbird folder there. This may prompt to overwrite an existing folder of same name. allow it
  8. start thunderbird and all should be there

TIP: Save the external media copy for backup.

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All Replies (1)

david
david
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

To ensure that all PCs are always in sync, all accounts must be IMAP, no exceptions. Once you have one PC set the way you like, you can copy the profile and place on the other two. That, of course, does not include synchronizing Local Folders for the very reason that they're local. To copy a profile, follow these steps:

Here is the link for moving a profile in Windows when installed in default location: 

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/moving-thunderbird-data-to-a-new-computer

here is the info in brief steps:

  1. ensure thunderbird is not running on old PC
  2. enter %appdata% in search window on task bar and press Enter key
  3. this should open windows file explorer in Appdata\roaming folder
  4. highlight the Thunderbird folder and copy to external media
  5. ensure thunderbird is installed on second computer and NOT running
  6. enter %appdata% in search window on task bar and press Enter key
  7. you should be in Appdata\roaming folder , copy&paste the exported Thunderbird folder there. This may prompt to overwrite an existing folder of same name. allow it
  8. start thunderbird and all should be there

TIP: Save the external media copy for backup.

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