My Thunderbird has stopped downloading messages--how can I get it to function again. I have rebooted and downloaded a new version.
I disconnected my antivirus (Norton) and tried again, with no luck. Thunderbird says that I have 10 messages and tries to download, but then hangs up and quits. This happened all of a sudden with no seeming cause.
Chosen solution
If possible, access the account through webmail and delete the messages one-at-a-time, starting with the oldest (since the problem started), in case one of them is causing an 'ice jam' and stopping the new messages from being downloaded.
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Try to start *Windows* in safe mode with networking enabled.
- Win8 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/windows-startup-settings-including-safe-mode
- Win7 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Start-your-computer-in-safe-mode
- XP http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/boot_failsafe.mspx
Still in Windows safe mode, start Thunderbird in safe mode.
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/safe-mode
Does the problem go away?
Thanks for trying to help, but the instructions (see below) are too complicated for me to follow. So I'll just have to leave my Thunderbird with its broken wings alone until perhaps a new version comes out in which this problem is resolved. I never experienced it before--until I installed Windows 8.1 (so maybe that's the problem!).
If you're not signed in to Windows, tap or click the power icon Power icon from the sign-in screen, hold Shift, and then tap or click Restart
Or, if you're already signed in:
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)
Under PC settings, tap or click General.
Under Advanced startup, tap or click Restart now.
On the Choose an option screen, tap or click Troubleshoot.
Tap or click Startup Settings.
Tap or click Restart.
On the Startup Settings screen, choose the startup setting you want.
Sign in to your PC with a user account that has administrator rights.
Some options, such as safe mode, start Windows in a limited state where only essential programs are started. Other options start Windows with advanced features (typically used by system admins and IT professionals). For more info, go to the Microsoft website for IT professionals.
You'd need to be a little more specific where you're getting stuck.
I deleted the most recent message visible in my blocked Thunderbird program/screen (after which nothing else came in), and that did it. The backed-up messages began to flow in. I did not have to go into webmail. Thanks for your help!