Troubleshoot Mode Thunderbird

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  • Revision id: 136140
  • Created:
  • Creator: Tonnes
  • Comment: Empty edit to allow level 2 / RFL
  • Reviewed: Yes
  • Reviewed:
  • Reviewed by: AliceWyman
  • Is approved? Yes
  • Is current revision? No
  • Ready for localization: Yes
  • Readied for localization:
  • Readied for localization by: AliceWyman
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Safe Mode is a special Thunderbird execution mode that can be used to troubleshoot issues in Thunderbird. In Safe Mode, you can reset some settings or disable add-ons that might be the source of problems. By comparing Thunderbird's behavior in normal mode to its behavior in Safe Mode, you can find out if problems are being caused by a specific add-on.

Note: Thunderbird Safe Mode has no relation to Windows Safe Mode.
Note: In Thunderbird versions prior to 5, there was a shortcut on the Windows start menu for Thunderbird Safe Mode. As of Thunderbird 5 this item has been removed, and replaced with a Restart with Add-ons Disabled entry on the help menu.

How to start Thunderbird in Safe Mode

  1. If Thunderbird is not running: Start Thunderbird in Safe Mode by holding down the Shift key while starting the application.holding down the option key while starting the application.going to your Terminal and running: thunderbird -safe-mode
    You may need to specify the Thunderbird installation path (e.g. /usr/lib/thunderbird).
    If Thunderbird is already running: At the top of the Thunderbird window, click the Help menu, select the Restart with Add-ons Disabled… menu item and then click the Restart button in the dialog box.
  2. The Thunderbird Safe Mode dialog opens:

    thunderbird safe mode

  3. Click on the Continue in Safe Mode button to finish.

Confirming that Safe Mode is activated

To confirm that Thunderbird is running in Safe Mode, click the Tools menu and then click Add-ons and Extensions. Above your list of add-ons, there will be a banner displayed stating that Thunderbird is in Safe Mode.

Exiting Safe Mode

  1. Close down Thunderbird completely: On the menu bar, click the Thunderbird menu and select the Quit Thunderbird menu item, or click the Application menu button New Fx Menu and select Quit.
  2. Start Thunderbird as you normally would.
  1. Close down Thunderbird completely: At the top of the Thunderbird window, click the File menu and select the ExitQuit menu item, or click the Application menu button New Fx Menu and select ExitQuit.
  2. Start Thunderbird as you normally would.
If Thunderbird keeps starting in Safe Mode, see Thunderbird is stuck in Safe Mode.



Based on information from Safe mode (mozillaZine KB)