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Fix for the old minimize to tray problem?

  • 6 replies
  • 16 have this problem
  • 32 views
  • Last reply by AndreiP

AndreiP
AndreiP

Hi,

I've used Thunderbird a long time ago, for 5y+. I stopped using it when it got bloated and stopped working properly. Now I checked it out again and would love to come back, but the old issue still remains.. I think.

Is there an option to make it go to the tray instead of the taskbar when minimizing or closing it (by hitting X of course)? I specifically recall this being a huge hurdle years ago, before I quit Thunderbird. Then I was using an addon. Since, it was discontinued and now I see a "new" one appeared, but it doesn't support the latest version of Thunderbird, rendering it useless.

Now, did Mozilla, after SO MANY years, wise up and added the option and I am just blind and can't find it? Or is there another way to do this?

Please help out. This is a deal breaker for me. Can't have my taskbar occupied with anything else than work related stuff.

Hi, I've used Thunderbird a long time ago, for 5y+. I stopped using it when it got bloated and stopped working properly. Now I checked it out again and would love to come back, but the old issue still remains.. I think. Is there an option to make it go to the tray instead of the taskbar when minimizing or closing it (by hitting X of course)? I specifically recall this being a huge hurdle years ago, before I quit Thunderbird. Then I was using an addon. Since, it was discontinued and now I see a "new" one appeared, but it doesn't support the latest version of Thunderbird, rendering it useless. Now, did Mozilla, after SO MANY years, wise up and added the option and I am just blind and can't find it? Or is there another way to do this? Please help out. This is a deal breaker for me. Can't have my taskbar occupied with anything else than work related stuff.

Chosen solution

TrayHotKey works here in TB 52/W7.

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (6)

sfhowes
sfhowes
  • Top 10 Contributor

Chosen Solution

TrayHotKey works here in TB 52/W7.

AndreiP
AndreiP Question owner

sfhowes said

TrayHotKey works here in TB 52/W7.

Yes! That's it! This WORKING addon didn't show up when I searched, probably because the description is in another language (?)

In any case, this is perfect! Thank you!

PS: Mozilla should really consider adding this feature to their release.. it's really a must have when you're working with multiple programs.

Matt
Matt
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor

AndreiP said

sfhowes said
TrayHotKey works here in TB 52/W7.

PS: Mozilla should really consider adding this feature to their release.. it's really a must have when you're working with multiple programs.

It is an interesting dilemma. Give the minority the minimize to tray that they demand, or comply with the made for windows logo stuff that forced no implementation of minimize to tray.

It is probably worth noting that there have been bugs bating back to prior to the release of Thunderbird and Firefox requesting the functionality, so I think it is fairly safe to say after 15 years that Mozilla will be implementing nothing.

AndreiP
AndreiP Question owner

Matt said

AndreiP said
sfhowes said
TrayHotKey works here in TB 52/W7.

PS: Mozilla should really consider adding this feature to their release.. it's really a must have when you're working with multiple programs.

It is an interesting dilemma. Give the minority the minimize to tray that they demand, or comply with the made for windows logo stuff that forced no implementation of minimize to tray.

It is probably worth noting that there have been bugs bating back to prior to the release of Thunderbird and Firefox requesting the functionality, so I think it is fairly safe to say after 15 years that Mozilla will be implementing nothing.


Yeah, I know, but to be perfectly honest, Mozilla did kill one major bug in Firefox... namely FireBUG. *irony* When it becomes totally unavailable (still using Firebug) I'm off to Chrome or something.

Matt
Matt
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor

I could understand the demise of firebug. Have you had a look at the web developer tools on the old style Tools menu in firefox (or web developer on the app menu)

Sure they take some learning, but they appear to be fairly comprehensive. With a hidden preference change they can also be used to debug Thunderbird remotely as well, which is why Thunderbird development tools get no time in the sun.

AndreiP
AndreiP Question owner

Matt said

I could understand the demise of firebug. Have you had a look at the web developer tools on the old style Tools menu in firefox (or web developer on the app menu) Sure they take some learning, but they appear to be fairly comprehensive. With a hidden preference change they can also be used to debug Thunderbird remotely as well, which is why Thunderbird development tools get no time in the sun.


I did give it a try. When they first killed off Firebug, I misclicked on the notification and couldn't get Firebug back.. so I got stuck with Dev Tools. I don't know how it is now, but when I first tried it it was slow as hell, couldn't for the life of me edit DOM on the fly and some other things were missing (or placed somewhere else). To put it gently it was disruptive and I couldn't wait to go back to my normal PC (on which I still have Firebug now). When they break this small, not fully functional, safe haven, I'll give DevTools another try.. but I'll probably end up with another browser (after a decade of loyal service).

I hope you understand, it's like me entering your home, move your desk, change your display, put your mouse batteries someplace else.. that's how I feel without Firebug. :)