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'''Safe Mode''' is a special Thunderbird execution mode that can be used to troubleshoot issues in Thunderbird. In Safe Mode, you can reset some settings or disable add-ons that might be the source of problems. By comparing Thunderbird behavior in normal mode to its behavior in Safe Mode, you can find out if problems are being caused by a specific add-on.

'''Safe Mode''' is a special Thunderbird execution mode that can be used to troubleshoot issues in Thunderbird. In Safe Mode, you can reset some settings or disable add-ons that might be the source of problems. By comparing Thunderbird behavior in normal mode to its behavior in Safe Mode, you find that problems are being caused by a specific add-on. ;:{note}'''Note:''' Windows users may be familiar with a Safe Mode for Windows. Thunderbird Safe Mode has '''no relation to Windows Safe Mode.'''{/note} ;:{note}'''Note:''' In Thunderbird versions prior to 5, there was a shortcut on the Windows start menu for Thunderbird Safe Mode. As of [[New in Thunderbird 5|Thunderbird 5]] this item has been removed, and replaced with a ''Restart with Add-ons Disabled'' entry on the help menu.{/note} __TOC__ = How to start Thunderbird in Safe Mode = ;:{note}Note: these instruction depend on the Thunderbird release that you use. Check the "Help with" box on the right of this article to confirm that the correct release is selected.{/note} The instructions below apply to Thunderbird version {for =tb31}3.1{/for}{for tb5}5 and over{/for}: {for win,=tb31} # Close down Thunderbird completely: At the top of the Thunderbird window, click the {menu File} menu, and select the {menu Quit} menu item. # In Windows, click Start, open the {menu All Programs} list, and navigate to the {menu Mozilla Thunderbird} folder. In the Mozilla Thunderbird folder, select {menu Mozilla Thunderbird (Safe Mode)}. {/for} {for mac,=tb31} # Close down Thunderbird completely: On the menu bar, click the {menu Thunderbird} menu, and select the {menu Quit Thunderbird} menu item. # Hold down the {key option} key as you start Thunderbird. {/for} {for linux,=tb31} # Close down Thunderbird completely: At the top of the Thunderbird window, click the {menu File} menu, and select the {menu Quit} menu item. # Go to your '''Terminal''' and run:<br/><code>thunderbird -safe-mode</code><br>You may need to specify the Thunderbird installation path (e.g. ''/usr/lib/thunderbird-3.1''). {/for} {for tb5} # ''If Thunderbird is not running:'' Start Thunderbird in Safe Mode by {for win}holding down the {key shift} key while starting the application.{/for}{for mac}holding down the {key option} key while starting the application.{/for}{for linux}going to your '''Terminal''' and running: <code>thunderbird -safe-mode</code><br>You may need to specify the Thunderbird installation path (e.g. {filepath /usr/lib/thunderbird}).{/for}<br/>''If Thunderbird is already running:'' At the top of the Thunderbird window, click the {menu Help} menu, and select the {menu Restart with Add-ons Disabled...} menu item and then click the {button Restart} button in the dialog box. # The Thunderbird Safe Mode dialog opens: <br><br>[[Image:thunderbird safe mode]]<br><br> # Click on the {button Continue in Safe Mode} button to finish. {/for} = Confirming that Safe Mode is activated = To confirm that Thunderbird is running in safe mode, click the {menu Tools} menu and then click {menu Add-Ons} and {menu Extensions}. Above your list of Add-ons, there will be a banner displayed stating that Thunderbird is in Safe Mode. = Exiting Safe Mode = {for mac} # Close down Thunderbird completely: On the menu bar, click the {menu Thunderbird} menu, and select the {menu Quit Thunderbird} menu item. # Start Thunderbird as you normally would. {/for} {for win, linux} # Close down Thunderbird completely: At the top of the Thunderbird window, click the {menu File} menu, and select the {menu Quit} menu item. # Start Thunderbird as you normally would. {/for} {note}If Thunderbird keeps starting in Safe Mode see [[Thunderbird is stuck in Safe Mode]].{/note} <!-- MZ credit --> <br/> <br/> '''''Based on information from [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Safe_Mode Safe mode (mozillaZine KB)]'''''