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Thunderbird wont start, says there is an out of date add, on wont go further (mac)

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When I go to open Thunderbird, I get a window telling me that there is an incompatible add on, it gives me the choice to ignore or search for an up to date version of the add on. When I click on either of these the window closes for a minute then reopens with the same message in a vicious circle. Thunderbird itself won't open and can only be shut down by force quit.

I have removed all that I can find to do with Thunderbird (previous versions etc) and reinstalled thunderbird from a fresh download to no avil. I'm using OS X Yosemite and Thunderbird 52.7.0

When I go to open Thunderbird, I get a window telling me that there is an incompatible add on, it gives me the choice to ignore or search for an up to date version of the add on. When I click on either of these the window closes for a minute then reopens with the same message in a vicious circle. Thunderbird itself won't open and can only be shut down by force quit. I have removed all that I can find to do with Thunderbird (previous versions etc) and reinstalled thunderbird from a fresh download to no avil. I'm using OS X Yosemite and Thunderbird 52.7.0

Modified by Craig McPherson

Chosen solution

Open the profile folder and then open the extensions subfolder. Delete the file {786ed4c5-a408-4066-ad19-9270ba42e4f3}.xpi, which is the file for the Walnut 2 theme.

To open the profile folder, start TB (in safe mode if necessary), then Help/Troubleshooting Information, click Open Folder. Close TB before deleting any files.

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All Replies (7)

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Try starting in safe mode (hold Option or Alt when you launch TB), and if that succeeds, open Tools/Add-ons/Extensions and Remove the incompatible add-on. You should then be able to start TB in normal mode.

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Thanks for that!

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Well I thought it worked when I deleted the offending add-on.....but the bastard keeps coming back! Damed thing wont die!

In fact none of the changes made in safe mode stuck.

Modified by Craig McPherson

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What is the name of the add-on? In rare situations, an add-on has to be removed manually if it's corrupted or dependent on another process:

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Uninstalling_add-ons

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the bastard add-on is " Walnut2 for Thunderbird" an appearence add-on. I didn't install the damned thing my ex did!

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Chosen Solution

Open the profile folder and then open the extensions subfolder. Delete the file {786ed4c5-a408-4066-ad19-9270ba42e4f3}.xpi, which is the file for the Walnut 2 theme.

To open the profile folder, start TB (in safe mode if necessary), then Help/Troubleshooting Information, click Open Folder. Close TB before deleting any files.

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Thanks for that, one problem sorted, it still runs like a hairy goat but thats enough pain and suffering for one day