Thunderbird Migration to New Windows 11 PC
I am trying to setup Thunderbird on a new Windows 11 PC. My current PC is running Windows 10. I am thoroughly frustrated to the point where I might just switch to Outlook!
First some basic parameters.
On a "techie" skill level I am about a 3 on a scale of 10. I have been a Thurderbird user for a long time, 15+ years. The Thunderbird version on the Windows 10 PC is 140.3.1esr(32-bit) The Thurderbird version on the Windows 11 PC is 143.0.0(64-bit) I managed to stumble through a Thunderbird migration change 6 years ago when I purchased my current Windows 10 PC.
Here are the issues I am having.
1. I do not know how to locate and transfer to the new PC all of my contacts. 2. I do not know how to locate and transfer the sent mail history. 3. The Windows 11 PC version is not synchronizing with the mail server (Comcast.net). When I read, delete, or move an email it is still showing as unread on my other devices. (The Windows 10 PC, iPad, iPhone) Conversely, if I read an email on one of the other devices, it still shows as unread on the Window 11 PC. 4. The is no Junk mail showing in the Junk folder on the Windows 11 PC, but junk mail will show in the Junk folder on the Windows 10 PC. I clean the Junk folder regularly. However, the junk mail is being filter out on the Windows 11 PC because it is not showing in the Inbox. 5. (Somewhat minor) On the Windows 11 machine the preview panel is on the right. On the Windows 10 machine the preview panel on the bottom. I prefer the bottom. I don't see in settings were to change this.
What I have done so far: 1. I compared setting for setting from the old PC to the new PC. I noticed in the new Windows 11 version there is no settings called "Message Synchronizing". 2. I was able to locate the file that contained all of my local files. I copied it to the new PC and directed Thurderbird to use this file. Works fine. 3. I have read the Help instructions for "How do I find my profile", "Moving a profile", Backing up a profile", Restoring a profile backup", Method using a transfer device", and "An alternative method for manual transfer between Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers".
As state above, my skill level is about a 3. When I start dealing with hidden files I am getting beyond my skill level.
My questions are: 1. Since Thunderbird seems to be setup and running, although not how I like, is it necessary to do the transfers described in the Help articles. Would I be over writing the manual setup I have completed when I compared the setup pages from the old and new PCs? 2. Can the files name for where the contacts are store be provided so I can manually copy over? I would think this would not be a hidden file. 3. How do I get the Windows 11 version to synchronize with the Comcast mail server? If the synchronizing occurs, will I get all of the "Sent" history or is this in a file that needs to be copied. FYI, the emails I sent from the Windows 11 PC has synchronized to the Windows 10 PC. 4. What are the settings for the Junk mail. The settings on the Windows 10 PC and the Windows 11 PC are the same. 5. Last but not least, how do I get the preview pane on the bottom. :-)
Thanks, and HELP!
Mike Jacks
All Replies (3)
This is the simplest way to transfer from win10 to win 11:
Here is the link for moving a profile in Windows when installed in default location:
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/moving-thunderbird-data-to-a-new-computer
here is the info in brief steps:
- ensure thunderbird is NOT running on old machine
- 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
- ensure thunderbird is installed on second computer 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 may prompt to overwrite an existing folder of same name. allow it
- start thunderbird and all should be there
That approach copies 100% of the profile: contacts, accounts, all email, settings. Since you have copied some elements, to help you, I suggest advising whether your account is POP or IMAP, and please be explicit on which components did not transfer. You're right, in that the elements are in the old profile can can be copied individually from one profile to another. We can advise steps for that. However, if your account is IMAP, it may be simpler to just do the steps as defined above. Let me know.
David,
Thank you for your help. It did work! When I tried the first time, no joy. I go what the heck (it wasn't "heck"), uninstalled Thunderbird and reloaded. I then applied your instructions and bingo! After the reinstall, I had to go find my Local Folders again, but this was no problem.
The last issue, but minor, is the preview pane is on the right side of the screen. I would like to have it on the bottom. I still see no setting to adjust this. Not a big issue. Maybe this is a Windows thing. I noticed my wife's Outlook account displays the same way.
Thank you again for your help!
Mike Jacks
I was glad to assist. to change the view, click view>layout and change to classic view. If preview screen isn't showing, press F8.
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