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searching old (ancient) archives

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  • Last reply by JeanneR

JeanneR
JeanneR
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Using Thunderbird 128.7.1esr under Windows 11. I've got a batch of ancient mail that I would like to search. The archive is sitting on an external drive with folders named *. sbd, files named *.msf, and files with no extension. A quick peek at some of those with no extension reveals e-mail messages of the kind I'd like to be able to search.

I seem to recall being able to open such archives from within Thunderbird, but it was decades ago and I'm a little lost. EDIT: I just reinstalled ImportExportTools NG, but I don't see how to proceed.

How can I open or import these? Again, I just want to be able to browse and search.

Many thanks, Jeanne

Using Thunderbird 128.7.1esr under Windows 11. I've got a batch of ancient mail that I would like to search. The archive is sitting on an external drive with folders named *. sbd, files named *.msf, and files with no extension. A quick peek at some of those with no extension reveals e-mail messages of the kind I'd like to be able to search. I seem to recall being able to open such archives from within Thunderbird, but it was decades ago and I'm a little lost. EDIT: I just reinstalled ImportExportTools NG, but I don't see how to proceed. How can I open or import these? Again, I just want to be able to browse and search. Many thanks, Jeanne

Modified by JeanneR

Chosen solution

- highlight Local Folders - rightclick and select the importexport menu option to import mbox - then, locate and select the file that does NOT have an extension (ignore the msf file) - and you're done.

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david
david
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

- highlight Local Folders - rightclick and select the importexport menu option to import mbox - then, locate and select the file that does NOT have an extension (ignore the msf file) - and you're done.

JeanneR
JeanneR Question owner
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Thanks so much for your message. I never got an e-mail so I didn't know to come back and check. Hence my delay.

I had hoped to search multiple mailboxes, but you will at least get me started.

Will return.

david
david
  • Top 10 Contributor
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THere are problems with the forum and, like you, I also am missing messages. Let us know if you need more assistance.

JeanneR
JeanneR Question owner
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Thanks again. You definitely gave the solution and importing multiple boxes was among the options, as I'm sure you know.