If you want to exclude Local Folders from your regular backups and have them stored separately, you can do this: - exit thunderbird - locate the local folders in profile at Mail\Local Folders folder ** - COPY (not move) Local Folders to external media - restart thunderbird - click account settings and then highlight Local Folders - at bottom row is 'Local Directory' that points to Local Folder. click the dropdown menu there and select the new location. thunderbird will probably close and restart - recheck Local Folders that Local Directory is pointing properly once satisfied,you can delete the old Local Folders entry in profile. Future proflie backups will not include the Local Folders. ** If you are unsure where profile is, do this: - click help>troubleshootinginformation - scroll down to 'profile folder' and click 'open profile' - exit thunderbird - you are now in profile and the Mail folder should be visible. click it and you will be at Local Folders