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"unable to locate mail spool file" ?

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  • 4 have this problem
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  • Last reply by bobjay8743

I have just installed Thunderbird on Ubuntu. When I click on "Get Mail" this message comes up and no mail is retrieved . How do I fix it please?

I have just installed Thunderbird on Ubuntu. When I click on "Get Mail" this message comes up and no mail is retrieved . How do I fix it please?

Chosen solution

Using a Linux OS /Ubuntu

If you have just added a mail account to Thunderbird, then I believe you have created a 'MoveMail' account and not a POP or IMAP Email account. you may have selected the wrong option. Some info on 'MoveMail' here, plus other info.

Did you intend to create a 'MoveMail' account ? If no, then delete the mail account and recreate a new one as POP or IMAP not MoveMail.

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Chosen Solution

Using a Linux OS /Ubuntu

If you have just added a mail account to Thunderbird, then I believe you have created a 'MoveMail' account and not a POP or IMAP Email account. you may have selected the wrong option. Some info on 'MoveMail' here, plus other info.

Did you intend to create a 'MoveMail' account ? If no, then delete the mail account and recreate a new one as POP or IMAP not MoveMail.

Thanks very much Toad-Hall - you were spot on. I chose email the second time. Uninstalling and reinstalling Thunderbird didn't do the trick so I had to click on "Cancel Account" and then enter the correct smtp and pop3. Thanks again, bobjay