How do I transfer emails from a non-active superseded inbox to local files.
I have changed servers and cancelled my old server (email service). I want to transfer all my old emails from my old inbox into local folders so I can delete the old account. I have a new account and a new inbox which is working fine. When I try to transfer emails from the old inbox, the software tries to logon to the old server - which no longer works - and won't let me transfer the emails. I can see and read the emails - so they are on my local computer. I don't want to lose all the old emails. I no longer have access to my old server.
Chosen solution
Are you doing this in 'offline' mode? Thunderbird should not attempt to locate server if in offline mode.
Status bar will show 2 blue screen icon in bottom left corner if online. click on this icon to go offline; it will then show 2 black screen icon. It may ask if you want to download messages etc...say no or later, but do not say download.
Or File > Offline > work offline.
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Imap emails are kept on the server. If you synchronized folders for offline use, then it would create an mbox file and keep a copy on your computer. When you connect with server, it updates this file so that the server and your copy are the same.
As the server is no longer accesible, they will have removed all emails, so you do not want to connect to that server as it would wipe all your emails to match the server. So it is good that you cannot connect. It is also fortunate that it did not make a last connection to an empty server. For future reference it would be better to move IMAP mail account emails prior to stopping the account.
It sounds like you synchronized emails, which explains why you can still see emails.
Two options that I can think of: Go into 'offline mode' and then try to move the emails into Local Folders.
Another option. Download the addon 'ImportExportTools', then in offline mode, use it to move the emails. https://freeshell.de//~kaosmos/mboximport-en.html
Thank you for your answer. I can mover emails one at a time from my old inbox to local files. If I try to move 'bulk' emails - it causes the software to attempt to logon and the move fails.
Chosen Solution
Are you doing this in 'offline' mode? Thunderbird should not attempt to locate server if in offline mode.
Status bar will show 2 blue screen icon in bottom left corner if online. click on this icon to go offline; it will then show 2 black screen icon. It may ask if you want to download messages etc...say no or later, but do not say download.
Or File > Offline > work offline.
Modified by Toad-Hall