Can't install add-ons
Have 1 Windows PC that cannot install Thunderbird add-ons. If I try to browse to, or search, the add-ons site, it opens a new tab and hangs on loading until, I assume, the heat death of the universe. If I browse to the site in a web browser, download the extension, and install it manually, it shows up, but incomplete (no options) and doesn't work.
I've tried uninstalling, deleting all profiles and other files, and reinstalling. I've tried removing everything, reinstalling, and copying the profile over from a PC that's working fine. Nothing works. Thunderbird on this PC simply won't look at add-ons.
Windows 10, Thunderbird 102. Any ideas?
Chosen solution
And, that was the tip-off. Visual Studio stepped on the Visual C++ redistributables. Installed those and all is good now.
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Oh, I've also tried disabling the Windows firewall, and starting Thunderbird in troubleshooting mode.
Exit Thunderbird. Access Firewall: Do not switch off Firewall as that is not exactly ideal. Set up Thunderbird.exe as an allowed program - also set up the updater.exe as allowed as well. I've added an image below - I use Norton 360 - it shows the two items that are set up as allowed.
Now access the Anti-Virus product. You need to set up an Exception to allow this website: https://addons.thunderbird.net Avast and AVG are well known to be a pain if that is not set up.
Usual method to install addon.
- Menu icon > Addons and Themes
- Select the 'Extensions' option in left pane
- In top search type name of addon and click on either the magnifying glass or press Enter key
- List of possibilities should open in a new tab - virtually instantly.
- For the addon you want - click on 'Add to Thunderbird'
- Then you will get asked via a pop up to click on 'Add' and ok it.
- It gets installed into Thunderbird and is seen in the Extenions list.
Alas, no.
What Anti-Virus are you using?
I had a thought and wondered if this was a permission issue, so please try this:
Exit Thunderbird.
Right click on the Thunderbird shortcut icon and select 'Run as Administrator'. Then try to get the addon installed.
Same result. Built-in Windows antivirus.
Perhaps I was not clear. The failure is at step 4 of your list above. The list of extensions to install never appears.
For what it's worth--probably not much, given that there seems to be no solution--other user accounts on the same PC have the same issue.
Well, here's a hint. Firefox doesn't work either. Same symptoms; no pages load, just blank tabs.
These are new Installs on a new PC.
Chosen Solution
And, that was the tip-off. Visual Studio stepped on the Visual C++ redistributables. Installed those and all is good now.