General instructions are at https://kb.mozillazine.org/Moving_your_profile_folder_-_Thunderbird I encourage that the receiving thunderbird be at least at same release as from the sending computer. I've done this several times and it works The profile manager works well. A modification of the profile manager approach is this: - exit thunderbird - make a copy of the profile - install thunderbird on linux, start and then exit - copy the windows profile and paste over the top of the active linux profile and you're done. Do this when thunderbird not running.

If unsure how to find profile location, these steps work on windows and linux: - click help>troubleshootinginformation - scroll to 'profile folder' and click 'open folder' - exit thunderbird and you will be in the profile

David, thanks so much. I copied the windows profile directory contents onto a USB stick ( not a zip file) and then deleted the default profile contents under the folder on my other computer running the Linux Thunderbird, without changing the name of the default directory. Then restarted Thunderbird in Linux and worked like a charm. Much appreciated for the newbie on day 1 of the Ubuntu Linux training. Lots more learning. Most grateful for your help. Richard.

You are most welcome. I was glad to assist. :)