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Can i import an old profile and prevent deleting old E-Mails which don't exist on the Server anymore?

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  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

styler2go
styler2go
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I removed all e-mails from the server and archivated them locally. A few days later i reinstalled my windows, but forgot to backup the Thunderbird Profile.

I have an older backup, but whenever i try to use that, it (of course) deletes all E-Mails which don't exist on the server. Is there some way to avoid this automated sync/deleting before opening the profile?

I removed all e-mails from the server and archivated them locally. A few days later i reinstalled my windows, but forgot to backup the Thunderbird Profile. I have an older backup, but whenever i try to use that, it (of course) deletes all E-Mails which don't exist on the server. Is there some way to avoid this automated sync/deleting before opening the profile?

Chosen solution

Sounds like you use an Imap account. If you are only trying to rescue emails that reside in mbox files (mbox files do not have any extension)

Make sure Thunderbird is closed before you do anything in the profile folder. If you are familiar with the profile folder, you could copy paste the mbox files (no extension) into the 'Local Folders' account which is located in the 'Mail' folder. then restart Thunderbird. the indexing files (.msf) will be auto created.


OR Try to import them using a tool into 'Local Folders'. Importexporttool addon:

How to install addon: download addon .xpi file to desktop or downloads folder.

In Thunderbird Tools > Add-ons OR Menu icon > Add-ons

  • click on gear wheel icon and select 'Install addon from file'
  • locate the .xpi file you downloaded and click on 'Open'
  • You will need to restart Thunderbird.

Right click on 'Local Folders' folder or another folder in 'Local Folders', choose 'ImportExporttools' > 'Import Mbox file' select 'Import directly one or more mbox files' and click on OK

Locate the backup profile folder with mbox files select mbox files and click on 'Open' This should import the folder containing emails.

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Toad-Hall
Toad-Hall
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

Sounds like you use an Imap account. If you are only trying to rescue emails that reside in mbox files (mbox files do not have any extension)

Make sure Thunderbird is closed before you do anything in the profile folder. If you are familiar with the profile folder, you could copy paste the mbox files (no extension) into the 'Local Folders' account which is located in the 'Mail' folder. then restart Thunderbird. the indexing files (.msf) will be auto created.


OR Try to import them using a tool into 'Local Folders'. Importexporttool addon:

How to install addon: download addon .xpi file to desktop or downloads folder.

In Thunderbird Tools > Add-ons OR Menu icon > Add-ons

  • click on gear wheel icon and select 'Install addon from file'
  • locate the .xpi file you downloaded and click on 'Open'
  • You will need to restart Thunderbird.

Right click on 'Local Folders' folder or another folder in 'Local Folders', choose 'ImportExporttools' > 'Import Mbox file' select 'Import directly one or more mbox files' and click on OK

Locate the backup profile folder with mbox files select mbox files and click on 'Open' This should import the folder containing emails.

Modified by Toad-Hall