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after update to Thunderbird 78.2.2, unable to open emails

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Computer is at work, where several computers are connected to one server.

Computer I used updated to Thunderbird 78.2.2 on Monday (2020/09/14). After that update, I am unable to ready any emails. I have a green progress bar on the bottom right of screen that is full. I have a message that the computer is 'connected'. Selecting an email does not display it in the Message panel, and double-clicking email to open in another tab gives an empty tab.

I am able to access emails through Thunderbird on other computers, so that must mean a problem with the setting on my computer and not the server... right?

Computer is at work, where several computers are connected to one server. Computer I used updated to Thunderbird 78.2.2 on Monday (2020/09/14). After that update, I am unable to ready any emails. I have a green progress bar on the bottom right of screen that is full. I have a message that the computer is 'connected'. Selecting an email does not display it in the Message panel, and double-clicking email to open in another tab gives an empty tab. I am able to access emails through Thunderbird on other computers, so that must mean a problem with the setting on my computer and not the server... right?

All Replies (11)

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Can you try starting thunderbird on safe-mode (no add-ons)? If you have thunderbird on other computers connected to the same account you might compare and set the same also on this computer what is on an working one.

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Did try opening in Safe Mode, disabling add-ons. No change.

Also have compared the basic settings with other computers in office and can't find any different settings, but I also have no idea what I should be looking for.

Modified by blair.regenwetter

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You might try to downgrade as a last temporary solution. Check question 1304483 where I've mentioned the steps (I'm not allowed to post links)

There are some reports in the last 2 days that TB upgrade has caused some profile file to be corrupted - I assume this might be the same also here. Far as I've tested on a fresh installation of TB in a virtual machine there were no issues - so, probably, something happen during the update in some cases.

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I had the same problem rendering v.78 unusable. Luckily I have 4 Macs and could downgrad to v. 68. See my post "How can I return from Tbird 78 to 68?" for how to downgrade if you have a working copy of v.68 on another computer. I have done so successfully.

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FfTh202009, I cannot find the link on the Thunderbird download page for 68.0.9, but there is a 68.9.0, is that the one you mean?

Eric, the other computers I have access to have upgraded to 78 already.

Modified by blair.regenwetter

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The current version prior to the v 78 disaster is 68.12. Be sure to turn off the automatic update when you do install it (in Preferences under Advanced, then Updates). I don't know if someone at Thunderbird can send you a link to download 68.12, but 68.9 probably will work just fine.

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Downgrading to 68 is a valid stopgap measure, but not a viable long-term option. To avoid most of the issues with running 78 on a profile that was used with 68, create a new profile with 78, add your accounts, then transfer local mail, address books etc. manually from the old profile to the new one. Help/Troubleshooting, about:profiles, to create and manage profiles. Install add-ons that are working in 78 (current list).

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blair.regenwetter said

but there is a 68.9.0, is that the one you mean?

Yes, that one

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FfTh202009, I found the Release Notes for 68.9.0, but not the download.

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Chosen Solution

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FfTh202009, I am now running Thunderbird 68.12.0, and now am able to read and send and receive emails, thank you.