IMAP operations sometimes freeze up Thunderbird SOLVED: caused by "Allow Windows Search" option in Thunderbird
I just switched to using a new computer with Windows 8.1. Thunderbird (latest version 31.2.0) , now sometimes freezes (Not Responding), for a minute or two during IMAP operations. This did not happen in Windows 7, and all the settings are exactly the same.
I have not found any consistency to the problem at all. Sometimes it doesn't happen for awhile, other times it happens on every IMAP operation. It can happen when moving a message from one IMAP folder to another, or when deleting a message from an IMAP folder, or when emptying the IMAP Trash folder.
Things I've tried that haven't made any difference: - Creating a new Thunderbird profile. - Disabling all add-ons. - Changing the "Maximum number of server connections to cache" to 1 for the IMAP account.
Modified by Wayne Mery
Chosen solution
It took 4 hours of troubleshooting, but I finally found the culprit.
Windows Search
It did not freeze up while Windows was in Safe Mode with Networking.
I uninstalled Kaspersky, disabled all non-Microsoft Services, stopped all startup items, then started disabling Microsoft Services. Finally I was able to narrow it down to Windows Search. Then I re-enabled everything else but Windows Search, tested, then enabled Windows Search again.
Ultimately, the way to solve the problem is in Thunderbird Options:
Menu bar: Tools: Options: Advanced: General Tab: System Integration:
Uncheck "Allow Windows Search to search messages".
Read this answer in context 👍 5All Replies (4)
What is your anti-virus software?
Oops. I forgot to mention that I also tried completely disabling Kaspersky Internet Security, and the freeze-up still happened.
I also uninstalled, did cleanup, then reinstalled Thunderbird. Still freeze-up.
Try to start *Windows* in safe mode with networking enabled.
- Win8 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/windows-startup-settings-including-safe-mode
- Win7 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Start-your-computer-in-safe-mode
- XP http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/boot_failsafe.mspx
Still in Windows safe mode, start Thunderbird in safe mode.
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/safe-mode
Does the problem go away?
Chosen Solution
It took 4 hours of troubleshooting, but I finally found the culprit.
Windows Search
It did not freeze up while Windows was in Safe Mode with Networking.
I uninstalled Kaspersky, disabled all non-Microsoft Services, stopped all startup items, then started disabling Microsoft Services. Finally I was able to narrow it down to Windows Search. Then I re-enabled everything else but Windows Search, tested, then enabled Windows Search again.
Ultimately, the way to solve the problem is in Thunderbird Options:
Menu bar: Tools: Options: Advanced: General Tab: System Integration:
Uncheck "Allow Windows Search to search messages".