Thunderbird has lost my profile. Offers me a new profile creation when opened. (and multiple prefs.js)
How can I restore my profile into Thunderbird ?
Modified by Wayne Mery
Chosen Solution
Open the newest prefs-X.js file, which will be the one with the highest X, and see if your accounts are listed. If they aren't, try the next newest file. Once you find a prefs that looks correct, rename the current prefs.js to prefs.bak, then rename the correct prefs-X.js to prefs.js. Do all of this with TB closed, then restart TB.
All Replies (21)
In hindsight, we may have been following the wrong trail. Those old prefs files are five years old, and any content would have been as you described. The missing profile was for another reason. If you still have the original content, we may be more successful. On your request for backup steps, here they are: I do this weekly.
BACKUP
- ensure thunderbird is not running
- enter %appdata% in search window on task bar and press Enter key
- this should open windows file explorer in Appdata\roaming folder
- highlight the Thunderbird folder and copy to external media
RESTORE
- ensure thunderbird is installed and NOT running
- enter %appdata% in search window on task bar and press Enter key
- you should be in Appdata\roaming folder , copy&paste the exported Thunderbird folder there. This will prompt to overwrite an existing folder of same name. allow it
- start thunderbird and all should be there