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The folder 'XXXXX" could not be found, so filter(s) associated with this folder will be disabled.

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  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by christ1

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T-Bird 68.2.1 (64-bit) on opensuse Linux 15.0 Leap

For several weeks now -- On opening T-bird, I see "deleting folders" at the bottom left of screen. After deleting a crapload of folders, it starts downloading messages and I see this:


The folder 'XXXXX" could not be found, so filter(s) associated with this folder will be disabled. Verify that the folder exists, and that filters point to a valid destination folder.


The folders deleted are sub-folders of a sub-folder. As soon as I go to the "empty" sub-folder, it immediately displays the next (missing) level of subfolders. On going to each of the formerly "missing" subfolders, it immediately populates (downloads) its emails content, taking whatever time it takes to do so.

After that, filters work as expected EXCEPT, of course every disabled filter must be manually re-enabled, a time-consuming operation especially since it must be repeated next time the program is started.

Question: Since filters can't find them and are disabled, WHY are subfolders being deleted ?

I know they are being deleted because T-bird tells me it's deleting them.

I see this problem on this forum 8 years ago, then again 6 years ago. Seems to be back again....

T-Bird 68.2.1 (64-bit) on opensuse Linux 15.0 Leap For several weeks now -- On opening T-bird, I see "deleting folders" at the bottom left of screen. After deleting a crapload of folders, it starts downloading messages and I see this: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The folder 'XXXXX" could not be found, so filter(s) associated with this folder will be disabled. Verify that the folder exists, and that filters point to a valid destination folder. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The folders deleted are sub-folders of a sub-folder. As soon as I go to the "empty" sub-folder, it immediately displays the next (missing) level of subfolders. On going to each of the formerly "missing" subfolders, it immediately populates (downloads) its emails content, taking whatever time it takes to do so. After that, filters work as expected EXCEPT, of course every disabled filter must be manually re-enabled, a time-consuming operation especially since it must be repeated next time the program is started. Question: Since filters can't find them and are disabled, WHY are subfolders being deleted ? I know they are being deleted because T-bird tells me it's deleting them. I see this problem on this forum 8 years ago, then again 6 years ago. Seems to be back again....

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Hi, christ1: No, but it certainly is related. The activty you describe and the "fix" is what I experience when all the folders below a certain level are "gone" and the filters can't find them and are deactivated.

The problem here seems to be when I start the program (T-Bird) and can see the notifications at the bottom-left of the screen where I'm being told multiple "folders" are being deleted.

If the folders weren't deleted, I think everything would work as normal, but the question is WHY are those folders being deleted?

As it stands, every time I restart T-Bird I have to go all though those mail folders and RE-activate them as in your linked "fix". A real PITA.

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The bug report referenced in the article is talking about "outdated msf condition" and "Building Summary File".

Summary files are index files and have the .msf file extension. They can become corrupted for various reasons.

Before anything else, make sure to create a full backup of your Thunderbird profile folder. https://support.mozilla.org/kb/profiles-where-thunderbird-stores-user-data#w_backing-up-a-profile

You can then try to manually rebuild the summary file for each of the troubled folders. Right-click the folder - Properties - Repair Folder

Then restart Thunderbird. Does the problem go away?