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Automated Thunderbird configuration

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  • Last reply by Matt

sheger
sheger
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Hello,

we are currently using an autoconfiguration script based on the Prefs-API and XPCOM Components in order to configure email accounts, identities, calendars, addons, signatures, etc. for users in a large scale deployment of Thunderbird instances. Let me emphasize that it is crucial for our scenario to be able to dynamically reconfigure our Thunderbird instances on a daily basis, in order to update group email accounts, calendars, etc. This is not just about a single initial configuration after installation.

We have been using the script with Thunderbird 60.9.1 without any problems, then we adapted the script for usage with Thunderbird 68+. We are currently testing versions 91 through 102 on MacOS 12.2 and Windows 10 22H2.

When we use our configuration script for the first time, on a fresh installation of Thunderbird everthing seems to work fine. When restarting Thunderbrid, we experience loss of email account configurations in irregular and unpredictable intervalls on both MacOS and Windows systems. The account configuration is present, correct and visible in Settings -> Edit configuration view, but Thunderbird will not show any email accounts in the UI. Nothing is shown except Local Folders in the left side panel. Meanwhile Calendars, Addons and all other configurations stay intact.

The problem seems to be avoidable if we don't use lockPref and default for setting the prefs. Does anybody have an idea what could cause the problems we are seeing?

I would also like to ask a more general question as well: Will autoconfiguration based on Mission Control, XPCOM, etc. be supported in the future, or do we have to look for other ways to meet our requirements?

Thanks for your help!

Hello, we are currently using an autoconfiguration script based on the Prefs-API and XPCOM Components in order to configure email accounts, identities, calendars, addons, signatures, etc. for users in a large scale deployment of Thunderbird instances. Let me emphasize that it is crucial for our scenario to be able to dynamically reconfigure our Thunderbird instances on a daily basis, in order to update group email accounts, calendars, etc. This is not just about a single initial configuration after installation. We have been using the script with Thunderbird 60.9.1 without any problems, then we adapted the script for usage with Thunderbird 68+. We are currently testing versions 91 through 102 on MacOS 12.2 and Windows 10 22H2. When we use our configuration script for the first time, on a fresh installation of Thunderbird everthing seems to work fine. When restarting Thunderbrid, we experience loss of email account configurations in irregular and unpredictable intervalls on both MacOS and Windows systems. The account configuration is present, correct and visible in Settings -> Edit configuration view, but Thunderbird will not show any email accounts in the UI. Nothing is shown except Local Folders in the left side panel. Meanwhile Calendars, Addons and all other configurations stay intact. The problem seems to be avoidable if we don't use lockPref and default for setting the prefs. Does anybody have an idea what could cause the problems we are seeing? I would also like to ask a more general question as well: Will autoconfiguration based on Mission Control, XPCOM, etc. be supported in the future, or do we have to look for other ways to meet our requirements? Thanks for your help!

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Matt
Matt
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XPCOM is being fully removed from the Mozilla code base. This work has been continuing now for about 5 years. So I guess it will not work for much longer if it relies specifically on that component.

I would suggest you have a look at the discussions in the enterprise list. https://thunderbird.topicbox.com/groups/enterprise and even post you questions there after you have a look at the documentation for managing Thunderbird on the enterprise here https://enterprise.thunderbird.net/manage-updates-policies-and-customization I think the folk on the list and it's general exposure to Mzla developers may offer you your best, and probably more useful, response.