Update Removal

It would be helpful to know what you are having a problem with as it might be something that can be sorted.

In my next post I'll send you the full details on how to go to a previous version, but believe me it is not a simple case of uninstalling new and installing old. Those days have long gone since version 68 started and now there is also a complete change in the format for the address books.

Need to set updates to ask, change the address book, uninstall, then download old and reinstall, but do not auto start. Then use command line to force a backwards compatibily allowance.

• Menu app icon > Options > General
• Scroll down to 'Updates' section
• select 'check for updates, but let me choose whether to install them'

To add also those email addresses back follow below steps: In Thunderbird

• Help >Troubleshooting Information.

Under Application Basics section about 8 down in list see 'Profile Folder'.

• Click on 'Open Folder'

A new window opens showing the contents of your profile name folder.

• Exit Thunderbird

In the profile name folder - you will find the old address book files with extension .mab.bak - those files (abook and history) you need to:

• -rename them to .mab (so remove the .bak part) eg: 'abook.mab.bak' becomes 'abook.mab'
• -rename abook.sqlite and history.sqlite by adding .bak to the name. eg: abook.sqlite.bak
• Do same for any other address books you created.

Now uninstall Thunderbird program. You could just delete the Mozilla Thunderbird folder from here: C:\ Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Thunderbird then empty the computer 'Recycle Bin'

Then get download from here:

• http://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/thunderbird/releases/68.12.1/
• choose appropriate OS, then choose language, then download the Thunderbird Setup 68.12.1.exe file

Run the downloaded .exe file to install. On the last step of the installation do NOT select to start TB.

You will need to run a command to allow you to downgrade.

Windows OS:

• In search type : Run
• Select the 'Run' app
• Type: thunderbird.exe -P --allow-downgrade

note there is a space before and after -P

• click on OK

Profile Manager starts select the desired profile name click on 'Start Thunderbird'.

Hi Toad-hall, Thanks for your very comprehensive response - it seems a lot of unnecessary palaver to go back a version, adding strength to the argument - "If it ain't broke - don't fix it".

The update seems to have produced a more widely spaced and very "stark" layout of folders and text.

The ability to highlight and overwrite an email address when "replying/forwarding" appears to have vanished - now requiring a highlight/delete and type-in to achieve the same result.

Mouse movement causes a black horizontal bar to travel across the range of messages or folders, instead of appearing only when a particular object is selected/required.

Is it possible to alter any of these undesirable elements?

Thanks,

Ian

The spacing in the Folder and Threads Panes is discussed here:

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1311620

Select a contact 'pill' in the addressing box, then right-click, Edit Address.

Not sure about the black bar. Perhaps change the hardware acceleration setting in Options/General, at the bottom.

Regarding the Folders in the Folder Pane... You can now manually set a colour for each folder via Thunderbird. You can also use some code to automatically set coloured folders. You can also use some code to get back all the old familiar icons. At the link below, I've explained how to do all three options. The person you posted the question chose option 2, but I suggest you read all the comments to see which one you prefer to use.

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1309818

regarding editing some use full info here: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/addressing-email#w_how-to-edit-or-remove-recipient-items

Hi Toad-Hall, I am very appreciative of the information and advice you have provided. However, and I do not believe I am alone in this ---- I am but a simple USER of TB and have no desire (nor the time) to enter into the world of coding/programming/developing -- I leave that to those with greater ability than mine.

If Developers insist on altering the appearance/functionality of programmes - why do they not include a simple "Return to Normality" button at the same time --- or provide a "Health Warning" to potential Updaters ?????

I consider this to be one of the worst updates in my experience to date so, in keeping with others, I shall simply bite the bullet and return to a proper working version -- 68 I believe, and simply ignore further updates or research other Email Clients with a view to permanent change. (The latter being done with great sadness)

Thanks again for your input in this.

Ian