thunderbird won't open because it's running but it isn't
when i try to open mozilla thunderbird it says that it's already running and i need to close the program first before it can start
i don't know if this is a common error or not
thanks
Chosen solution
Try this: Make hidden files and folders visible
The AppData folder is folder is a hidden folder; to show hidden folders, open a Windows Explorer window and choose "Organize → Folder and Search Options → Folder Options → View (tab) → Show hidden files and folders".
Then locate your Thundrbird Profile folder:
Usually it is here, but I've supplied a link just in case you use different OS .
C:\Users\Windows user name\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles\Profile name - (typically xxxxxxxx.default where the x's are letters and numbers)
It will look similar to the image shown below. scroll down and look for a file called parent.lock Delete parent.lock Close the window.
Now try to restart Thunderbird.
When ever you exit Thunderbird, make sure no processes are occuring at the time eg: synchronising. Use 'File' > 'Exit'
Allow some time for background processes to complete before shutting down computer or going into sleep mode.
Read this answer in context 👍 3All Replies (7)
Right click on bottom Task Bar and select 'Task Manager' In the 'Applications' tab It should say all the programs running. Is Thunderbird in that list? If yes, select Thunderbird and click on 'End task'.
Close Task Manager.
Does Thunderbird open?
Toad-Hall said
Right click on bottom Task Bar and select 'Task Manager' In the 'Applications' tab It should say all the programs running. Is Thunderbird in that list? If yes, select Thunderbird and click on 'End task'. Close Task Manager. Does Thunderbird open?
no it's not and i also can't find it in the background processes tab
thanks for taking your time to help me
Chosen Solution
Try this: Make hidden files and folders visible
The AppData folder is folder is a hidden folder; to show hidden folders, open a Windows Explorer window and choose "Organize → Folder and Search Options → Folder Options → View (tab) → Show hidden files and folders".
Then locate your Thundrbird Profile folder:
Usually it is here, but I've supplied a link just in case you use different OS .
C:\Users\Windows user name\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles\Profile name - (typically xxxxxxxx.default where the x's are letters and numbers)
It will look similar to the image shown below. scroll down and look for a file called parent.lock Delete parent.lock Close the window.
Now try to restart Thunderbird.
When ever you exit Thunderbird, make sure no processes are occuring at the time eg: synchronising. Use 'File' > 'Exit'
Allow some time for background processes to complete before shutting down computer or going into sleep mode.
Modified by Toad-Hall
Toad-Hall said
Try this: Make hidden files and folders visible The AppData folder is folder is a hidden folder; to show hidden folders, open a Windows Explorer window and choose "Organize → Folder and Search Options → Folder Options → View (tab) → Show hidden files and folders". Then locate your Thundrbird Profile folder: Usually it is here, but I've supplied a link just in case you use different OS . C:\Users\Windows user name\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles\Profile name - (typically xxxxxxxx.default where the x's are letters and numbers) It will look similar to the image shown below. scroll down and look for a file called parent.lock Delete parent.lock Close the window. Now try to restart Thunderbird. When ever you exit Thunderbird, make sure no processes are occuring at the time eg: synchronising. Use 'File' > 'Exit' Allow some time for background processes to complete before shutting down computer or going into sleep mode.
thank you very much sir!
i only have one last question: do i have to remove the parent lock eferytime i start up my pc or not?
The parent.lock key should be auto removed each time you correctly exit Thunderbird.
For some reason, in your case, it was not removed. But if you have another instance then this is the way to get TB up and running again.
Toad-Hall said
The parent.lock key should be auto removed each time you correctly exit Thunderbird. For some reason, in your case, it was not removed. But if you have another instance then this is the way to get TB up and running again.
okay thank you