Good info here: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Recovering_deleted_mail_accounts

I've tried that but the info was confusing. Is there someone out there who can give me detailed step by step procedure of doing this...please

The information at the link says do this, but I've added some more details.

If you used the Account Settings 'Remove Account' to delete the account. That mail should still exist in a child folder in the Mail folder in your profile folder.

First, go to your profile folder and verified that the mail for the deleted account still exists.

Make hidden files and folders visible:

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Show_hidden_files_and_folders

In Thunderbird Help > Troubleshooting Information click on 'Show Folder' button

A new window opens showing the contents of your 'Profile folder name'. The 'profile folder name' will probably be called xxxxxxxx.default, where the x's are letters and numbers.

If performing a backup or modifying any files and folder you must close Thunderbird now before doing anything in Profile - this is important.

If Pop mail account click on 'Mail' folder. You will see a list of mail accounts. One of those mail accounts will be the deleted account. Click on the folder to see files and folders specific to that mail account. If the files sand folders are there then you can proceed to get them back.

The instructions will tell you to create a new mail account in thunderbird and then alter the account settings to link back to the deleted mail account. If the deleted mail account was originally called: example: pop.gmail.com, then when you create a new mail account using same settings, it should create a pop-gmail-1.com mail account. Basically, it will create a new account directory with same name but with a numeric suffix.

So make a note of the name of the original mail account.

1. Backup your Profile. Use the info above to locate your 'Profile folder name' folder. Close thunderbird. Use the right click copy/ paste on that folder to store a copy on desktop for a backup. Tou can also copy it then to an external storage for a true backup. More helpful stuff here:

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_backup

2. create a new existing mail account using exactly the same server settings as in the original deleted account. File > New > Exisiting Mail Account or Menu icon > New Message > Exisiting Mail Account Enter name, email address and password. click on 'Continue' Thunderbird will try to configure settings. Make sure they are correct - is the correct server type named - pop or imap. the 'Manual Config' button allows you manually edit any settings. When happy click on 'Done' to create the mail account.

It will create a new account directory with a numeric suffix as previously explained.

Do not download any emails.

3. Now you need to point the new mail account in Thunderbird to look for the deleted mail account. Tools > Account Settings > Server Settings for the new pop mail account. or right click on mail account name and select 'Settings' then 'Server Settings' for the new mail account.

At the bottom on the right side, you will see 'Local directory'. It is pointing to your profile name folder and the new mail account. Click on the 'Browse' button. a window opens showing: ... 'Profiles' > 'Profile folder name' > 'Mail' > 'mail account name'. Click on 'Mail' to see a drop down of other mail accounts and select the original mail account name. click on 'Select folder' click on 'OK' to close 'Account Settings'.

Close and restart Thunderbird.

Check the accounts inbox folder to see if it has messages. If not then you probably specified the wrong location and need to use the 'Browse' button again.

This information should work on MAC and Windows PC as both use the same menu to access Account Settings.