Why do almost all themes fail to install in my v24?
Running Thunderbird 24.2.0 under Bodhi (Ubuntu) Linux. Working very well, syncing yahoo email via IMAP. Would like to install a theme or two that are easier on my eyes. I have found many excellent-looking themes, but cannot get most of them to install. For a few of them, I get the message "Theme so-and-so is not compatible with version 24.2.0." That's fine --- I understand. But in MOST cases, nothing at all happens, no message, no nothing. Very frustrating. I've only been able to install Charamel, Silvermel, and Nuvola, although I've tried at least a dozen others. None of the .jar (java) files have worked, and most of the .xpi don't either; and there are no error messages (explanations).
My procedure is: Download the file Go into the Add-Ons Manager Click the little gear-wheel icon Choose Install Add-On from file..... Browse to the file and click Voila! Nothing happens.
I am a rookie looking for help.
Many thanks, in advance!
Chosen solution
I don't think there's a list of which themes are compatible with each version, but in any case it's better to just install one and see if it works. Both Charamel and Silvermel work here, for the most part, on TB 31 & 35, Windows 7, although it states otherwise in the Add-ons Manager.
The same is true of extensions: many that claim not to work on new TBs, do work properly.
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Install this add-on, restart TB, and then try to install a theme. Ignore any "error" messages, and go ahead and enable the theme under Tools/Add-ons/Appearance. You may find a few minor discrepancies, but for the most part, the theme will render the TB interface correctly (as is the case on my system with TB 31 & 35).
Thanks very much for your kind suggestion. I installed the work-around add-on, and was then able to install several themes I thought I would like. As you said, they produced an acceptable interface; so now I have more choices.
So I guess that my version (24.2.0) is too old for many of the themes? I'm using 24 because it is the current package from the Ubuntu repository. Maybe I should go ahead and download 31, to see if these new themes will render better.
Anyway, again I thank you for taking time to help me.
Most themes will be listed as officially compatible for a certain range of TB versions, but if you find one that is designed for a version greater than 24, check the 'View other versions' under Version Information on the theme webpage for a 24-compatible version.
You can install TB 31 and see if it renders themes better, and if not, revert to v. 24 - although you will lose the benefits of the security and bug fixes provided in v. 31.
I appreciate the continuing help! I installed TB31.0, which seems like a good idea - to get the security and bug fixes, which are more important than themes. Unfortunately, this killed the Charmel and Silvermel themes, which I liked best with TB24.2. Now I'm having trouble finding themes for TB31.0. Most of those I try say they are incompatible.
This is no big deal -- after all, it's just appearance and not performance. However, I wish I could find a page that lists TB Complete Themes and tells what versions of TB are supported by each. That would surely save a lot of messing around.
Again, I thank you for the ideas. I now have a newer, better version of TB, which I am using to view ALL my email accounts and to maintain a very nice address book.
Chosen Solution
I don't think there's a list of which themes are compatible with each version, but in any case it's better to just install one and see if it works. Both Charamel and Silvermel work here, for the most part, on TB 31 & 35, Windows 7, although it states otherwise in the Add-ons Manager.
The same is true of extensions: many that claim not to work on new TBs, do work properly.
Thanks again, sfhowes. Since I'm a relative noobie on Thunderbird, your answers have helped me understand the state of affairs much better. I suppose it would be quite a chore to run through all the themes and create a nice list of which are compatible with each version of TB.
So I will take your advice and just keep trying. I was put off at first, since it seemed like so few would work. However, turning off the compatibility checker - as you suggested - seems to provide a few more options.
Now that I have this added perspective, I think we can mark this issue solved. And, again, thanks for your patient help.