import single folder from backup
Older messages in my inbox got deleted, so I got a copy of my inbox from a backup. I got 2 files, one a .msf and the other a large file with no file extension, and I renamed them so they are not the same as inbox. I tried moving that into the TB file structure, and it doesn't show up. I tried using the import/export add-on and selecting the file (both the one with no extension and the .msf), but it just imported 1 message. It seems that maybe TB changed the naming structure of the files since my backup was made?
Chosen solution
Local Folders, or folders in a POP-connected account. You can't import into an IMAP-based account.
If you desperately need them in an IMAP-connected account, import the mbox file into Local Folders, then move the messages in it (using Thunderbird itself) into the preferred account.
Read this answer in context 👍 0All Replies (8)
I received a message after the single email got imported saying "header limit reached."
Where did you try to import it to?
In general, copying an mbox file into Local Folders should work. You don't need its .msf file.
That's what I thought but figured it couldn't hurt. To be clear it's not an mbox extension. There is no file extension. Should I rename it to .mbox?
When it didn't work I tried making a folder with the same name, then right clicking from within it to import the file using the import/export addon.
In Thunderbird, mbox files are those such as Inbox, Sent, Trash etc, without filename extensions. No need to rename them (other than for reasons of filename uniqueness.) And you should be able to just copy and paste these into the Local Folders directory inside your profile, via your file manager.
Equally well, the ImportExportTools add-on should be able to import these files too.
Modified by Zenos
OK, thanks for the clarification. But it doesn't work. So now what?
Oh wait, you said local folders. I'm trying to put it in my imap folders. Does it only work for local folders?
Chosen Solution
Local Folders, or folders in a POP-connected account. You can't import into an IMAP-based account.
If you desperately need them in an IMAP-connected account, import the mbox file into Local Folders, then move the messages in it (using Thunderbird itself) into the preferred account.
Ah ha! That worked. Thanks