Transfer Thunderbird to new computer
I can't transfer my account to my new computer. An old mac with Catalina to a new mac. I seem able to get it onto an external hard drive but can't get it onto new computer. I am not tech savvy. sigh Specifically, on the destination computer, step #2 never works. I have tried control clicking on "Thunderbird" and do not get Copy "Thunderbird" as an option. There is a copy option, but not copy Thunderbird. I have tried all sorts of things. I don't think step 2 has worked, but maybe I just don't know how to open Thunderbird - Step # 3. Please help. Thank you.
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It may help if you post more details. I do not know what you mean by step 2 and step 3. Are you using the current version of Thunderbird (102)? If so, it has an import feature to put your profile in the proper location without the stress of figuring it out yourself. Once Thunderbird starts and prompts for email setup, ignore that and click the Home tab and on that pane is an Import button.
Hi David,
I was using the Mozilla instructions to migrate.
On your destination computer 1 - Connect the same transfer device you have used before to copy your Thunderbird profile folder from the source computer. 2 - Hold down the control key while you click on the copy of the Thunderbird profile folder that you created on the transfer device, then select Copy "Thunderbird". 3 - Open Thunderbird (Close the account setup window if it appears.) 4 - Open the Help menu and select Troubleshooting Information. 5 - Locate the "Profile Folder" entry, then click Show in Finder. Your Thunderbird profile folder will open in Finder. 6 - Quit Thunderbird. 7 - From your Thunderbird profile folder in Finder, open the Go menu and select Enclosing Folder two times. 8 - Hold down the control key while you click inside the folder, then select Paste Item. 9 - When prompted, choose to replace your current data.
I am sure I don't have Thunderbird 102. My old Mac is from 2012 and not in good shape. So I am quite worried about losing everything and have not been upgrading.
If the new computer is using the current version, that would 102. Do you have the profile for old computer? If so, you can use the steps I outlined above. Version 102 can place the profile in the right place without you or me knowing how it's done. My main concern is whether your old profile will have upward compatibility problems, but that's another bridge to cross.
David - I am able to get my Thunderbird data onto a hard drive. I can plug my hard drive into the new computer. Thunderbird shows up on the hard drive. But when I hold control and click on the Thunderbird folder (or on the Profiles folder) I do not get an option to Copy Thunderbird. I get a generic copy option and have tried that - but it seems to do nothing. Step 3 - Open Thunderbird - How? Where? Any suggestions. Thanks.
Are you able to locate the exact position on computer where thunderbird folder is? can you locate the profile that is in the thunderbird\profiles folder? I don't know MAC and cannot advise of typical address.
If the version of Thunderbird on new computer is 102, then - start TB, - at email wizard prompt, ignore it and click the Home tab - on that pane, click the Import button. - click the option to import from another Thunderbird installation - on that pane, browse to and select the PROFILE (not the thunderbird folder) on old hard drive. - TB will import and install properly.
My son was here and managed to move it all! Thank you for your help.
Having a son is a blessing (speaking as a father myself).