Here is my suggestion: - click tool>import>iimportfromanotherthunderbirdinstallation - next, click 'choose a profile folder' and then locate and select the unzipped profile

Sorry, but this did not work -

Here is the error I got - it came up right away

Ok, one possibility is to download Winrar (free trial) which has a repair feature that might work, or you could salvage what you can. Here is how to do that: - salvage the addresssbook by clicking tools>import>import from a file>addressbook>sqlite and click the 'abook.sqlite file in that backup. Repeat to import the history.sqlite file - for any POP account, locate the account at the Mail\<accountname> folder in the backup and copy (when thunderbird not running) the inbox and sent folders (ignore the msf files) to your active profile's Mail\Local Folders folder - also, copy the Mail\Local Folders folders to the active profile's Mail\Local Folders folder

The above steps will salvage the messages. IMAP accounts will selfpopulate. If unsure of where your active profile is, do this: - click help>troubleshootinginformation - scroll down to 'profile folder' and click 'open folder' - exit thunderbird. you are now in the profile folder

In future, I suggest these steps that capture everything and restores everything:

here is the info in brief steps:

BACKUP

1. ensure thunderbird is not running
2. enter %appdata% in search window on task bar and press Enter key
3. this should open windows file explorer in Appdata\roaming folder
4. highlight the Thunderbird folder and copy to external media

RESTORE

1. ensure thunderbird is installed and NOT running
2. enter %appdata% in search window on task bar and press Enter key
3. you should be in Appdata\roaming folder , copy&paste the exported Thunderbird folder there. This may prompt to overwrite an existing folder of same name. allow it
4. start thunderbird and all should be there

Thanks for the info - there is no <account name> folder in the backup Mail folder - only Local Folders. In C:/Programs/Mozilla Thunderbird there is no Mail folder. (see attached) Where is active profile Mail/Local Folders? Also, how can I import Calendar? I have a Calendar Data folder and Scheduled Notifications folder, but files inside are not visible. I have Show Hidden Folders and Files selected in File Explorer, and there calendar folders appear to be empty.

When I follow directions to open Profile Folder Thunderbird opens File Explorer displaying the backup file on the external drive.

Did you install from Microsoft or from thunderbird.exe.\? Microsoft versions are a mess to figure out. Please post a screenshot of the profile that you want to import. That will be a big help.

I downloaded from the Mozilla Thunderbird site. Picture is attached.

That is a screenshot of your thunderbird installation. What I need is a screenshot of the unzipped profile that you cannot import. Thank you

Here is the unzipped backup on my G drive -

Great! that's the profile. DId you attempt to import it with these steps? - click tool>import>iimportfromanotherthunderbirdinstallation - next, click 'choose a profile folder' and then locate and select the unzipped profile

If this fails, the major components (addressbook and message folders) can still be manually salvaged. Keep me posted.