The importexport addon does that quite easily.

Sorry, David, I tried to install importexport, and received a file named [importexporttools_ng-12.0.2-tb.xpi] with NO information as to what to do with it.

[1] Is THIS "importexport" ? If so, [2] How do I install this? And, [3] Where?!?

Since this is the FIRST time I've tried out an addon with T-Bird, I rather expected it to function as they do with Fire-Fox. Apparently Not. What do I do, next.

Puzzled Gray Cat

Select the messages in the Threads Pane (message list), then Ctrl+S, select a directory e.g Downloads, and the messages will be saved as eml files. The files can be opened (viewed) in TB by double-click, or imported back into TB by drag and drop from File Explorer to a subfolder of Local Folders.

But if you want to use the add-on, see these instructions:

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/installing-addon-thunderbird

To Whom It May Concern ---

I am about ready to give up on this and back up my messaages by copying the Win-Ten file system to a spare hard drive, and putting it in a safe.

I HATE to be this way, but --- Where is the "Threads Pane" -- there's nothing on any of the menus that mentions it.

Then What?

Bewildered, Gray Cat

It's the pane with the list of messages, with Subject, From, Date etc.

https://kb.mozillazine.org/Window_layout_-_Thunderbird#Thread_pane

Dear Sfhowes --- The instructions in the website << https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/installing-addon-thunderbird >> are not consistant.

In the section named "The Ideal Case," the instructions tells you to click on the Menu Button, the thing that looks like three parallel lines. There's one of those on Fire-Fox. It there's supposed to be one on T-Bird, it's hiddednVERY well.

Moving right along to the "Slighly Less Ideal Case," I'm supposed to look for a graphic that looks like a gear with EIGHT cogs. Again, if it's there, it's hidden awfully well. The only graphic that resembles this os the s-toothed gear for "settings". There are NO menu items there that allow me to "Install Add-on From File."

Folks: I'm 77 Years Old I have eyesight best descrived as 'defective," and I don't see why a simple request is causing so much difficulty.

OK: HOW DO I DO THIS?

Simple, workable answers, Please!

Thankx in advance Tired Gray Cat

The first picture shows the 3-bar Menu button. Selecting Add-ons & Themes produces the 2nd picture with the gear icon and 'Install add-on from file'.

I GOT IT!!!!!!!!!

The pix you sent helped. It was the picture showing how to find the Add-On Manager. I don't know if it's an artifact of my Win-Ten Install of T-Bird ir what, but i mever found the 3-line Menu Graphic in your first picture [it's the one with the 3-liner wrapped in a green circle], I DID, however manages to locate "Install Add on From File" after several minutes of cryptanaluzing my way through T-Bird's menus!

It's installed, and there is a new selection at the bottom of the "TOOLS" menu that reads "ImportExportTools NG"

Please note, I' I've come off as a Frustrated Gray Cat, it's because of the difficulty I was having with the PROGRAMS. NOT YOU GUYS.

Or as Jubal Harshaw says "Never trust a machine more complex than a Knife and Fork." [Robert A Heinlein: "Stranger In A Strange Land"]

This is a pretty odd opinion coming from a one-time Programmer, now Turnrf Science-Fiction Author.

Life happens, I guess. I still wonder where that Menu Graphic in the main screen of T-Bird went....

PROBLEM SOLVED. Thankx.

Tired Gray Cat