Thunderbird unusable; flickering/disapperaing window (see video)
Hello,
since I re-installed my Windows 10 installation 2 weeks ago I can't get Thunderbird to run properly anymore. After installing it it opens the mail integration window but the main window is flickering like crazy and often times can't even be interacted with or doesn't show up at all.
Since it's hard to explain here is a video of the issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKOeQC61pik
Things I tried to fix the issue:
1. Install an older version of TB (60.5.3) 2. Unplug 2nd and 3rd monitor 3. Disable wallpaper engine (however problem already started at the very beginning without any other programs installed and solid black wallpaper) 4. Delete Thunderbird file leftovers in Program Files and appdata directories
My system info is attached as an image with the latest available Windows 10 updates installed. I hope someone can help me, I'm getting sick of using Microsoft's mail app.
Chosen solution
Matt said
To diagnose problems with Thunderbird, try the following. I think Thunderbird safe mode will probably do it.:
Both Windows and Thunderbird safe modes didn't work. Also there were no addons/themes installed in the first place as everything was freshly installed on a brand new SSD drive. I had found a similar question on this forum though where someone had a similar problem due to their hard drive failing. My old SSD crashed with a Windows BSOD before buying and re-installing the system on the new one so I don't know if that is connected.
https://support.mozilla.org/de/questions/1242196
To be sure it wasn't my secondary drive as AlphaYui suggested I unplugged it and booted Windows with the system SSD only. I re-installed Thunderbird and had the same problem.
So while older versions do work (before 60 but they can't connect to my GMail account) I will now consider this Thunderbird having a broken UI.
I have switched to an alternative.
Read this answer in context 👍 0All Replies (4)
To diagnose problems with Thunderbird, try the following. I think Thunderbird safe mode will probably do it.:
- Restart Thunderbird with add-ons disabled (Thunderbird Safe Mode). On the Help menu, click on "Restart with Add-ons Disabled". If Thunderbird works like normal, there is an Add-on or Theme interfering with normal operations. You will need to re-enable add-ons one at a time until you locate the offender.
- Restart the operating system in safe mode with Networking. This loads only the very basics needed to start your computer while enabling an Internet connection. Click on your operating system for instructions on how to start in safe mode: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, OSX
- If safe mode for the operating system fixes the issue, there's other software in your computer that's causing problems. Possibilities include but not limited to: AV scanning, virus/malware, background downloads such as program updates.
Chosen Solution
Matt said
To diagnose problems with Thunderbird, try the following. I think Thunderbird safe mode will probably do it.:
Both Windows and Thunderbird safe modes didn't work. Also there were no addons/themes installed in the first place as everything was freshly installed on a brand new SSD drive. I had found a similar question on this forum though where someone had a similar problem due to their hard drive failing. My old SSD crashed with a Windows BSOD before buying and re-installing the system on the new one so I don't know if that is connected.
https://support.mozilla.org/de/questions/1242196
To be sure it wasn't my secondary drive as AlphaYui suggested I unplugged it and booted Windows with the system SSD only. I re-installed Thunderbird and had the same problem.
So while older versions do work (before 60 but they can't connect to my GMail account) I will now consider this Thunderbird having a broken UI.
I have switched to an alternative.
20 million users and you can't make it work so obviously the software is broken. Don't you think you would have seen lots of information on the subject when you searched if it was really a common issue where the software was broken.
I don't even know what was going on on your YouTube video, you clicked on the shortcut and appeared to be trying to drag it somewhere and once part of a UI appeared but the system integration dialog appeared which you did not appear to click so Thunderbird would not complete it's load until you acknowledge that dialog.
Thunderbird safe mode does much more than disable addons, but it is the easiest way to sell it. It is hard to explain the full implications of Thunderbird safe mode. you obviously copies the Thunderbird profile onto this disk, did you launch thunderbird with the allow downgrade switch after the copy?
Matt said
20 million users and you can't make it work so obviously the software is broken. Don't you think you would have seen lots of information on the subject when you searched if it was really a common issue where the software was broken.
Mozilla fanboys going mad as usual as soon as someone says they will leave their products that are the only ones not working, love it.
Matt said
so Thunderbird would not complete it's load until you acknowledge that dialog.
The dialog and desktop shortcut (that was merely in the way at the time) have nothing to do with it
Matt said
you obviously copies the Thunderbird profile onto this disk, did you launch thunderbird with the allow downgrade switch after the copy?
Yeah, obviously I copied a profile folder that didn't exist onto a fresh installation and messed stuff up. Whatever.
