ImportExportTools and Mozbackup are two entirely separate tools.

Mozbackup is no longer being supported by its author so I wouldn't recommend it. And it's only good for Windows users. Since all it does is zip up your profile, you can make a copy of the mozbackup file, rename it with a .zip extension and use you favourite zip tool to extract its contents.

I have just (re)installed ImportExportTools. I see no warnings about incompatibility. What leads you to say it is "outdated"?

Do you have a link to such replies? It always helps to provide context.

Before working on Thunderbird profile files & data I suggest taking a very good look at this article which explains in detail backup, recovery, moving and other details.

I'd suggest using an older Thunderbird version if the one you are using is incompatible with the add-on(s) being used.

Create a new profile using this version, work transferring emails in and out by storing them in Local Folders.

Once you are done the files in your Thunderbird profile under Local Folder can be moved directly to a newer, more recent Thunderbird install (and uses as-is).

Whatever you do, I'd advise to not work directly on mail files unless you know exactly what you are doing - do NOT user Wordpad, it's not a plaintext editor!

Do not use Wordpad unless you know what you're doing. It will by default convert your files to rtf or some such nonsense. Use Notepad, or better, Notepad++ if you want to edit text files.

I haven't tried to concatenate mbox files; I don't know enough about their structure to be confident. But they are in essence just linear records of email messages so you should be able to graft them together, with care. Make copies so you can revert in the case of an mess-up.

Link to ImportExportTools: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/addon/importexporttools/

It shows version 3.2.4.1

Below it states in BOLD obvious font. About this Add-on NOTE: the latest version is at present 3.2.5, if you don't see it here, you can find it at https://freeshell.de/~kaosmos/importexporttools-en.html

Go to that link and scroll down to bottom locate this: Download ImportExportTools (3.2.5 version) from this website

Note: I'm currently using ImportExportTools version 3.2.4.1 with no issues. Obviously, an update has been very recently created and awaiting being made available via addons.mozilla.org website.

RE Mozbackup info that may help Rename the backup file from "*.pcv" to "*.zip". Extract (unzip) the ".zip" file into a convenient location. If you look inside the unzipped folder you will see your mail folders, address books and the other files that make up your profile folder.

Thanks everyone who replied! Probably nothing further required even though I haven't yet even had time to try anything. This is a very helpful gang of people. I even had a mail I got in reply to an earlier attempt to find out:

"Hi Chris,

Unfortunately you have contacted us in error.

We are IT support for the Institute for Social, Behavioral and Economic Research (ISBER) at the University of California, Santa Barbara. We are normally only able to provide technical assistance to our Research Centers and Programs.

If you are a UC Santa Barbara affiliate, please contact your regular technical support folks.

The above said, I do not know if it does. To be sure, you are better off downloading the new import/export tools through Thunderbird itself. See instructions here: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Extensions_(Thunderbird)

The campus has moved away from using Thunderbird as a mail client so the guide is dated now. However, the basic concepts remain.

Good luck, Rick M.

ISBER Support www.isber.ucsb.edu ISBER Helpdesk help@isber.ucsb.edu North Hall 2213, UC Santa Barbara"

Thanks again! I consider this problem solved.