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I need to update but I do not want to lose custom folders and subfolders/content, this is how I pay bills. How do I save these to update tbird?

Thunderbird Other
Toad-Hall replied
arthurkelly
arthurkelly

I need to update tbird but Im afraid this will not save the folders/subfolders I have created to pay my bills. How do I save these for a reload after I update?

I need to update tbird but Im afraid this will not save the folders/subfolders I have created to pay my bills. How do I save these for a reload after I update?

All Replies (1)

Toad-Hall
Toad-Hall
  • Top 25 Contributor

Updating the Thunderbird program does not update the profile. The Program and the Profile are stored in two entirely different areas on your computer.

To create a backup of your Profile folders is a good practise regardless of whether you are doing it prior to an update, reinstallation or because your emails are important and you like to keep regular backups.

Assuming the profile is in the default location, it is located as follows. Please note, it is advisable to ensure you really do have fully downloaded copies of emails stored in the profile folders and Exit Thunderbird prior to creating a backup. You may need to make hidden files and folders visible. Whilst you can simply copy the 'profile name' folder as mentioned in the 'backup info' links. I would advise you Copy the 'Thunderbird' folder as shown in bold font. This will copy everything including the 'profile.ini' file.

Windows OS:

  • C:\Users\<Windows user name>\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles\<Profile name>\

Linux and Unix

  • ~/.thunderbird/<Profile name>/

However, if you're using a third party build from Debian or Ubuntu, those builds store your profile folder here: 

   ~/.mozilla-thunderbird/<Profile name>/

Mac OS X Profile folders are located here:

  • ~/Library/Thunderbird/Profiles/<Profile name>/

The tilde character (~) refers to the current user's Home folder, so ~/Library is the /Macintosh HD/Users/<username>/Library folder.


You can also locate your profile folders via Thunderbird.

  • 'Help' > 'Troubleshooting Information'
  • Click on 'Open Folder' (MAC 'Open Finder')

This will open a new window showing the contents of your 'profile name' folder. You will need to go up the directory to locate the 'Thunderbird' folder.

Additional Helpful links: