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Thunderbird Emails not Appearing in any Folders

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 171 views
  • Last reply by Solman

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Thunderbird Version: 68.10.0 OS: Windows 10 ver 2004, OS Build 19041.331

Problem: Upon opening Thunderbird, all folders in two different accounts, are empty. The emails still exist. I can right click on each folder, select Properties/Repair Folder, and the emails will be reloaded. But if I leave that folder, then come back, it is empty again. I also tried deleting from my profile all .msf files from every account and folder and letting Thunderbird rebuild them. When reopening Thunderbird, the emails will show up, but if I close, then reopen TB, they are gone again. I have not yet tried saving my profile, uninstalling TB, then reinstalling. I'd like to hear any other suggestions before I try that. This problem started shortly after TB updated to ver 68.10.0, but I can't say for sure that the update and the problem are correlated...it may just be coincidence.

Thank you.

Thunderbird Version: 68.10.0 OS: Windows 10 ver 2004, OS Build 19041.331 Problem: Upon opening Thunderbird, all folders in two different accounts, are empty. The emails still exist. I can right click on each folder, select Properties/Repair Folder, and the emails will be reloaded. But if I leave that folder, then come back, it is empty again. I also tried deleting from my profile all .msf files from every account and folder and letting Thunderbird rebuild them. When reopening Thunderbird, the emails will show up, but if I close, then reopen TB, they are gone again. I have not yet tried saving my profile, uninstalling TB, then reinstalling. I'd like to hear any other suggestions before I try that. This problem started shortly after TB updated to ver 68.10.0, but I can't say for sure that the update and the problem are correlated...it may just be coincidence. Thank you.

Chosen solution

Please try the following:

  • Menu app icon > tools > click on 'clear recent history'

In thunderbird

  • Help > Troubleshooting Information
  • click on 'Open folder'

A window opens showing contents of profile name folder.

  • Exit Thunderbird.

Delete the following files:

  • global-messages-db.sqlite
  • panacea.dat
  • session.json
  • xulstore.json
  • Click on 'Mail' folder
  • Delete the 'smart mailboxes' folder - if you see one
  • If you use pop accounts or problems in 'Local folders', select those folders and delete the *msf files.
  • Click on 'ImapMail' folder
  • select the imap account folder and delete the *.msf files.

Start Thunderbird.

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Chosen Solution

Please try the following:

  • Menu app icon > tools > click on 'clear recent history'

In thunderbird

  • Help > Troubleshooting Information
  • click on 'Open folder'

A window opens showing contents of profile name folder.

  • Exit Thunderbird.

Delete the following files:

  • global-messages-db.sqlite
  • panacea.dat
  • session.json
  • xulstore.json
  • Click on 'Mail' folder
  • Delete the 'smart mailboxes' folder - if you see one
  • If you use pop accounts or problems in 'Local folders', select those folders and delete the *msf files.
  • Click on 'ImapMail' folder
  • select the imap account folder and delete the *.msf files.

Start Thunderbird.

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Toad-Hall, your solution worked great. Thank you very much for your help.