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New Thunderbird installation won't recognize old profile.

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  • Last reply by david

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I had to build another computer and I wanted to keep using Thunderbird. I installed Thunderbird on the new unit and read the articles on how to migrate the old profile to the new computer. I followed the instructions on creating a new profile and pointing it at the location of the old profile, but it doesn't work. The new installation doesn't seem to recognize the old profile. The new installation allowed me to set up my email account with my provider, which I did. So, I can send and receive emails but I'm missing the hundreds of saved emails from the old installation. I don't know what to do next. Can you please help ? Thanks. Joe Bianconi [email removed from public]

I had to build another computer and I wanted to keep using Thunderbird. I installed Thunderbird on the new unit and read the articles on how to migrate the old profile to the new computer. I followed the instructions on creating a new profile and pointing it at the location of the old profile, but it doesn't work. The new installation doesn't seem to recognize the old profile. The new installation allowed me to set up my email account with my provider, which I did. So, I can send and receive emails but I'm missing the hundreds of saved emails from the old installation. I don't know what to do next. Can you please help ? Thanks. Joe Bianconi [email removed from public]

Modified by James

Chosen solution

Using Tools>Import is the simplest way. One of the menu options is to import from another installation. If you have the full profile from old computer accessible, it goes pretty smoothly. But make sure it's a complete backup.

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Chosen Solution

Using Tools>Import is the simplest way. One of the menu options is to import from another installation. If you have the full profile from old computer accessible, it goes pretty smoothly. But make sure it's a complete backup.

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Thank you very much for your prompt response. Your suggestion worked well. You saved me a lot of frustration. Good luck.

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You're very welcome.