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Known sender email marked as junk/bulk mail

  • 8 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by Matt

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Hi,

I've been receiving email from my wife for years, using Thunderbird this entire time, meaning there hasn't been a change from Outlook or other email client. Recently, say the last six weeks or so, all her email is going to the bulk mail folder. I tried setting up a filter so that her email address would always be recognized as legitimate email. It didn't work. Neither has marking all her email messages as "not junk", thinking it would re-train TB.

Also, it should be noted that her email address hasn't changed. It's been the same the entire 26 years she's worked for the company who her email account is through. Everything was fine until six weeks or so ago.

What can I do so I make sure her email messages make it to the inbox?

Thank you

Hi, I've been receiving email from my wife for years, using Thunderbird this entire time, meaning there hasn't been a change from Outlook or other email client. Recently, say the last six weeks or so, all her email is going to the bulk mail folder. I tried setting up a filter so that her email address would always be recognized as legitimate email. It didn't work. Neither has marking all her email messages as "not junk", thinking it would re-train TB. Also, it should be noted that her email address hasn't changed. It's been the same the entire 26 years she's worked for the company who her email account is through. Everything was fine until six weeks or so ago. What can I do so I make sure her email messages make it to the inbox? Thank you

All Replies (8)

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Hi DBCurtis, Just to make sure, when you say setting up a filter, did you also use the "Do not automatically mark mail as junk if the sender is in" if they are in the selected address book feature, and added her to your address book. You might also want to have a look at this previous post: https://support.mozilla.org/bm/questions/1035377

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HKSim,

I set the filter so her email address is before the filtering of junk classification, that the "from" contains her specific, exact email address, and the action performed is to move the message to the inbox. I suppose the filtering should be set for after junk classification. The "Do not automatically mark mail as junk if the sender is in:" is set for in my personal address book.

I've read the messages in the link you included. That's from 2014, so I assume that's why some of the functions mentioned aren't to be found in Mozilla now. I did not find the following:

"If IMAP mail account choose: 'Other' and select the Junk or Spam folder (depends upon what that folder is called on the server) on that imap mail account."

"The button 'Global Junk Preferences' is a shortcut to: 'Tools' > 'Options' > 'Security' > 'Junk' tab This is where you set your default junk mail settings..."

Thank you

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Does the mail have the red flame icon that designates spam/junk mail or is it being placed by your mail provider. In the folder without the red icon.

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Matt,

They all have the flame icon. *Every* time I find them in the bulk mail folder, I mark them as "not junk" in hopes of training TB, but it hasn't worked yet.

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This seems to have died. I've tried everything suggested, and also found elsewhere. I'm going to uninstall, remove every trace from the registry, then re-install. If that doesn't work, then it's bye-bye Thunderbird. I can't keep dealing with this, it has presented some real issues due to not receiving email messages in time, because I forgot to look in the bulk folder.

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Yes it has died. I can't come around and work out what software you have that is causing issues.

As the thread lacks any relevant information other than a couple of bland statements about icon colours and that it does not work There is nothing to work with.

You have not mentioned exactly which mail provider the account is on (like yahoo which is rubbish and can almost be guaranteed to do something odd with regard to spam. Do you use IMAP or POP to retrieve mail. POP is entirely local, IMAP is syncronised, so what occurs in your phone, tablet and on the server will all be reflected in Thunderbird. It make for a common view. But it has other side issues like a spam filter on a phone getting involved.

Have you seen these articles? https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/thunderbird-and-junk-spam-messages Older but more detailed http://kb.mozillazine.org/Junk_Mail_Controls

Standard diagnostics are basically as follows.

  • Restart Thunderbird with add-ons disabled (Thunderbird troubleshoot Mode). On the Help menu, click on "Troubleshoot mode" and continue when prompted. If Thunderbird works like normal, there is an Add-on or Theme interfering with normal operations. You will need to re-enable add-ons one at a time until you locate the offender.
  • Restart the operating system in safe mode with Networking. This loads only the very basics needed to start your computer while enabling an Internet connection. Click on your operating system for instructions on how to start in safe mode: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7], OSX
If safe mode for the operating system fixes the issue, there's other software in your computer that's causing problems. Possibilities include but not limited to: AV scanning, virus/malware, background downloads such as program updates.

Notice there is nothing in there about uninstalling or reinstalling or even looking in the registry. That is because you issue is not in system integration of registration of components. So those actions would be most probably a waste of time. But you do it if you want to. If your issue is caused by Third party software like your antivirus occasionally reinstalling fixes the third party software. As Thunderbird stores all your setting and data in a profile folder reinstalling basically has little affect on the Thunderbird installation. Creating a new profile is a more useful move than uninstalling in the vast majority of cases. You will find about:profiles in the more troubleshooting information on the help menu from which you can create a new profile.

Finally this is a peer support forum. Paid staff do not come here as a general rule. So those consumer threats or even promises about going elsewhere and such are just a waste of time. They do however generally reduce the number of others interested in interacting as those making such statement are seen as potential conflict that is just not welcome.

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@Matt,

There's no need for the angry or abrupt tone. If you had asked me for that information, I would have provided it. I wanted to keep it brief, rather than dump a ton of details. Also, that wasn't a threat, that was simply a statement of what I would need to do if I couldn't resolve the problem. If I was going to lamely attempt threatening, I would have been much more heavy handed. I have no desire or interest in doing such a thing. I'm saddened to see it was interpreted in that way.

I don't think I was rude, unkind or nasty in anyway. I certainly did not feel any of those feelings as I wrote any of the posts I've made here. You appear to be taking it personally, and I can't imagine why you would. This isn't directed towards you or anyone else here, at all, in any way. Your response has definitely made me think twice before ever seeking support here again in the future. I've probably misunderstood your response, because you seem defensive, and your post has a condescending somewhat insulting tone. I'll give the benefit of the doubt and assume you didn't mean your post that way.

Yes, I've looked at all the links posted. I've either already done those things, or tried them after they were suggested, including re-starting with add ons disabled.

Assuming you're still paying attention after what I believe is a misunderstanding, the email provider is Yahoo, and I use imap. I do check email using an android phone, and notice the email there from my wife goes to spam. Also, when she emails me from her tablet, rather that from her iphone or work computer (which are the only other places she will email me from) the messages come through without a problem.

Assuming you see this, I hope you can understand I didn't post anything here with a angry or confrontational spirit. You don't know me, but the last thing I want to do is bring more negativity into a world that is already drowning in it.

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It's ok. I will leave.