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How do I restore old email to new Thunderbird install?

  • 10 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 845 views
  • Last reply by Chris Ilias

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I have a new computer, with Windows 10 and a new installation of Thunderbird...

I found, on my old hard drive, the Directory "pop.optonline.net", which contains all of my old emails. I want to import them into my new install of Thunderbird.

The NEW install does not seem to have a directory with the "pop.optonline.net" name...How can I retrieve my older e-mails?

Thanks, in advance.... Bob.

I have a new computer, with Windows 10 and a new installation of Thunderbird... I found, on my old hard drive, the Directory "pop.optonline.net", which contains all of my old emails. I want to import them into my new install of Thunderbird. The NEW install does not seem to have a directory with the "pop.optonline.net" name...How can I retrieve my older e-mails? Thanks, in advance.... Bob.

Chosen solution

To put all of your old data (mail account, address books, preferences etc) onto the new computer:

On old hard drive: Your profile should be located here:

  • C:\Users\<Windows user name>\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\
  • Copy the Roaming/'Thunderbird' folder


On new computer: Assuming you have installed Thunderbird and it has run once to create a default profile, but as yet no mail account or you want to use the old mail account settings, address books etc.

  • Exit Thunderbird - it should not be running.

Access default profile location:

  • C:\Users\<Windows user name>\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\
  • Delete that new 'Thunderbird' folder from the 'Roaming' folder.
  • Then paste the copied 'Thunderbird' folder (from old hardrive) into the 'Roaming' folder.
  • Start Thunderbird.
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All Replies (10)

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My question contained very specific information that was not addressed by your response. I was hoping for help that was more specific to my stated problem, rather than a form response.

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As you have no pop account configured for a mail server with the server named pop.optonline.net you have no folder. That is quite simple really. It also makes it clear you are trying trying to migrate your old accounts and settings to a new device. I provided information on how to do that in the most painless manner possible for you.

You might be able to do piecemeal exports of individual folders of mail using the import export tools. But it is a painful way to try and address an issue that is on the face of it simple. But get the add-on and go at it if that is what your determined to do. https://addons.thunderbird.net/en-US/thunderbird/addon/importexporttools/

However that does not migrate your contacts, calendar or your settings and add-ons.

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Chosen Solution

To put all of your old data (mail account, address books, preferences etc) onto the new computer:

On old hard drive: Your profile should be located here:

  • C:\Users\<Windows user name>\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\
  • Copy the Roaming/'Thunderbird' folder


On new computer: Assuming you have installed Thunderbird and it has run once to create a default profile, but as yet no mail account or you want to use the old mail account settings, address books etc.

  • Exit Thunderbird - it should not be running.

Access default profile location:

  • C:\Users\<Windows user name>\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\
  • Delete that new 'Thunderbird' folder from the 'Roaming' folder.
  • Then paste the copied 'Thunderbird' folder (from old hardrive) into the 'Roaming' folder.
  • Start Thunderbird.
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Solved my problem, EXACTLY...Thanks SO much!

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bobcam1 said

Solved my problem, EXACTLY...Thanks SO much!

Sure it solved your problem exactly. You got the exact same instructions from toad hall as I linked to congratulations. I suggest you reflect on why mine did not work for you.

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I used his suggestion because of your attitude and snippy response...Congratulations.

I suggest YOU reflect on how to deal with a user with a problem, the way that your colleagues do....

Modified by bobcam1

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bobcam1 said

I used his suggestion because of your attitude and snippy response...Congratulations.

You proved yourself to be a time waster is what you did. But my memory is long.

I suggest YOU reflect on how to deal with a user with a problem, the way that your colleagues do....

I have reflected, I now fully understand that you need special attention including copy and paste of relevant sections of support documentation looked up by some volunteer so you do not waste your precious time. You time is clearly more valuable that mine or any other persons.

But do not delude yourself. No one here is my colleague. This is not a professional or business situation. This is a user support forum where the answers come from other users.

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Your "memory is long"????….hahaha

I see that your talent for cowardly "protected by your keyboard" threats is working, as well... Well, I hope that you can find room in your "long " memory, for the inevitable realization that you are socially impotent..:)

MY memory of YOU, is short.....:)

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I third-party has asked that this thread be locked, because of the off-topic discussion and the fact that it is already marked as solved.

Looking at the recent posts, I agree that the discussion is not helping anyone in their use of Thunderbird, so I'm going to honour that request and lock this thread.