How to prevent download of embedded images
Is it possible to configure Thunderbird so that it does not download embedded images or attachments by default? I know that remote images are disabled by default but can this be done for all images?
Chosen solution
I set up an IMAP account and unchecked 'Keep messages in all folders for this account on this computer'. On the first connection, all the message headers were downloaded, and the Inbox mbox file was missing, which makes sense. When I opened a message with an embedded image, the image appeared, but after TB was closed there was still no Inbox mbox file. The image would have been stored in the TB cache, but not permanently in the mbox file, in accordance with the Sync. & Storage settings. So, I would say that TB does download embedded images and attachments by default, but in this case only after you choose to open the message, and then the content is only cached on the local computer.
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I don't think you can set TB to not download just embedded images or attachments, as you can with mobile mail apps, but you can, for IMAP accounts, set it to just download message headers, by unchecking 'Keep messages in all folders for this account on this computer' in Account Settings under Synchronization & Storage. You could also set a size limit in the Disk Space section of that same window, but that would exclude the headers. For POP accounts, there's a 'Fetch headers only' box in Server Settings.
Thanks for the quick reply. I tried disabling the 'Keep messages in all folders for this account on this computer' option but embedded images are still included in the email messages. Any other advice?
I think the setting takes effect only after it's changed. Messages that have already been downloaded in full will keep their images. If you were to close TB and delete the Inbox mbox file and Inbox.msf from the profile folder, then restart TB, the new Inbox would be synchronized according to the changed setting.
I tested by sending myself a new message with an embedded image after the change was made. All new images should include the header only correct?
That is what I expect, although it doesn't exactly work that way in my tests. I will have to investigate further.
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Entire_message_fetched_when_opening_a_IMAP_message
Chosen Solution
I set up an IMAP account and unchecked 'Keep messages in all folders for this account on this computer'. On the first connection, all the message headers were downloaded, and the Inbox mbox file was missing, which makes sense. When I opened a message with an embedded image, the image appeared, but after TB was closed there was still no Inbox mbox file. The image would have been stored in the TB cache, but not permanently in the mbox file, in accordance with the Sync. & Storage settings. So, I would say that TB does download embedded images and attachments by default, but in this case only after you choose to open the message, and then the content is only cached on the local computer.
Ok. Not exactly the solution I was hoping for but I guess there is no other option. I just want to thank you very much for all of your help with this. I'm quite impressed with the amount of time and effort you put into assisting me here. Happy New Year!