How-to upgrade without losing existing pane layout/configuration?
I've been afraid to upgrade T-bird since 102 because last time, it changed the look and feel of my program. Honestly, I had a devil of a time getting panes reconfigured back to looking how I had it. After that, I turned off updating.
If it matters, I've got Classic view enabled (along with folder and message panes).
So to my question, if I update, will everything stay the same. Honestly, if it's going to change again, then I may stick with what's working. A friend is suggesting Betterbird, but I may just bite bullet and go to Gmail.
Does what I am asking make sense? I just don't want the layout to change based on what someone – who isn't me – thinks is better because I 'like' how I have it configured.
Many thanks!
All Replies (5)
I share your concerns. Backups protect you. Document the exact version you are using from help>about, and then do a full backup. Here are suggested steps if you use Windows:
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
Thank you David, it is very kind and gracious of you to walk me through backing up.
But to my principle concern, will updating T-bird edit the look and feel of my panes?
That is never the intent. Never. Sometimes updates cause minor changes, and that I why I always suggest doing a backup prior to any major update.
john.beech said
But to my principle concern, will updating T-bird edit the look and feel of my panes?
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/getting-started-thunderbird-main-window-supernova shows what newer versions look like. Not a massive change. Some of it you can control.
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/new-thunderbird-115-supernova lists the general changes.
Of course, staying version 128 forever also isn't a great choice.
Thank you david and Wayne Mery, I will study this in the morning when I am fresh. Meanwhile, I've performed a backup to my NAS so I will be ready to hit the ground running.
So far, based on what I've seen, it seems Classic View Layout with Table View will most closely mimic what I have. And I believe closing the calendar, which I never use, will give me back the vertical space robbed for the Tab Bar (I am very jealous of losing vertical space).
Thank you once again. I will close this thread after I perform the update and mark is successful. Once again, many, many thanks!
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