Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Unable to delete files and folders in new Thubnderbird version

  • 7 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

more options

My Trash folder is filling up with folders that won't go when I "empty" trash. Instead it creates a new copy "folder(2)" when I try to delete the folder. My trash folder is becoming a hige tree of useless folders..... I would dearly like to bring back version 102 instead of the buggy "Supernova" with its ugly interface.....

My Trash folder is filling up with folders that won't go when I "empty" trash. Instead it creates a new copy "folder(2)" when I try to delete the folder. My trash folder is becoming a hige tree of useless folders..... I would dearly like to bring back version 102 instead of the buggy "Supernova" with its ugly interface.....

All Replies (7)

more options

The folders you are trying to delete. Are they in an imap mail account ? If yes, unsubscribe from seeing the folder. Then you can logon to webmail and remove them off the server if desired.

more options

This clogged "Trash" folder is in "Local Folders", not on the server. Any attempt to delete a anything in the folders under "Local Folders" just makes thinks worse...

more options

Have you set up all your Pop mail accounts as deferred account more commonly called 'Global Inbox' where all pop accounts use 'Local Folders' mail account?

more options

TRy this:

  • Menu icon > Help > More TRoubleshooting Information
  • Under 'Application Basics' - half way - Profile Folders - click on 'Open Folder'
  • See image as guide

It opens a new window showing contents of your profile name folder.

  • Exit Thunderbird now - this is important
  • clickon 'Mail' folder to see contents
  • Click on 'Local Folders' mail account.

Do you see a 'Trash.sbd' folder ? It is created when subfolders are created in Trash. If yes, delete the 'Trash.sbd' folder. Delete the 'Trash.msf' file Open the 'Trash' no extension file using Notepad and delete all contes then save the file and close it.

Start Thunderbird.

more options

Todd Hall,

I followed your directions and still can't delete empty folders from trash. I must have a hundred now. I've tried selecting them and deleting individually. They replicate. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling TB to no avail. They are all still there. Is there someone who can help me with this? Is there a "remote" tech service that can access my computer and clear up this issue? Searching for a solution on this forum returns more suggestions than I have time to try. Most are technically above my computer literacy.

Dudley

more options

re : I tried uninstalling and reinstalling TB to no avail.

Why ? The program has got nothing to do with your profile folders. In reality there is rarely any call for a reinstallment because it's generally not a problem with the program itself.

I fail to see how deleting files and folders from your profile did not work unless you still had Thunderbird running.

So, I need you need to post information:

  • Menu icon > Help > More TRoubleshooting Information
  • Under 'Application Basics' - half way - Profile Folders - click on 'Open Folder'

It opens a new window showing contents of your profile name folder.

  • Exit Thunderbird now - this is important
  • click on 'Mail' folder to see contents
  • Click on 'Local Folders' mail account folder to see contents

Post an image of what you see.

If you see a folder called 'Trash.sbd' - click on it to see contents. Post an imgae showing contents.

more options

re : Is there a "remote" tech service that can access my computer and clear up this issue?

Nothing is stopping you from paying a fee to allow someone access to you computer and whom you know has got the correct knowledge and understanding of how Thunderbird works. This forum does not have anyone who does that sort of thing. We are other Thunderbird users and not employees of Thunderbird. We are not insured.

You would need to pay a fee to engage someone who has correct qualifications and also insurance - remember you are letting them have complete access to your computer, so do not just go with any one.

Seriously, it should be easy to accomplish, so let's start off with you supplying information.

Just a thought.....do you store Thunderbird profile data in the default location on your comnputer or have you got all this stored on some Microsoft account - via onedrive etc ? When you logon to computer do you logon to a computer 'User Account' or logon to a 'Microsoft Account' ?