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testing fixes

Test new features and fixes in the most stable pre-release build of Thunderbird.

Whether you are just curious or already using beta, this reference will help you have the best possible experience. Beta is a great choice if you want to help the global Thunderbird community and product by testing fixes and new features, and discovering and reporting bugs before they reach release. Thank you for your interest in using beta! __TOC__ =README BEFORE using beta= * Protect your Thunderbird data by doing regular [[Profiles - Where Thunderbird stores your messages and other user data#w_backing-up-a-profile|backups of your Thunderbird profile]]. * High-impact flaws such as data loss are rare but may occur. Protect yourself with backups. * New features require new code, so flaws are possible. Flaws may not be fixed quickly because of competing priorities, but do report them. Do remember that patience is required when using test versions. * Use the [https://thunderbird.topicbox.com/groups/beta/ beta topicbox] to learn about new features and user experience. * Expect frequent updates, so that we can provide improvements quickly. * Make sure your installer does not install beta in a non-beta program directory - official Mozilla downloads should do this correctly. See [[#w_how-to-install-and-run-beta|How to install and run Beta]] for more information. * If you use Thunderbird mail filters and you have more than one Thunderbird data profile, decide where you want to run your filters - in your beta profile or your other profile. Do not use filters in both. * Add-on authors are not obligated to make their add-ons work in beta. As a result, some of your add-ons may not work in beta. Please submit your issues to the add-on author, and consult the [[Thunderbird add-ons - frequently asked questions#w_what-if-my-add-on-is-broken|Add-ons FAQ]] if you have difficulty. * Are you using POP accounts? Unlike IMAP accounts, your only copy of POP mail is in your local Thunderbird data profile and not on a server (unless you changed the default settings). To use a POP account with beta you must choose between these choices: **'''Don't use a POP account with your beta or daily install:''' Using POP is not recommended because you risk losing your email if you do not configure ALL of your email clients correctly with your POP accounts. **'''If you have to use POP:''' **# Set all of your email clients including Thunderbird for Android and Thunderbird Desktop, Outlook, etc. to '''Leave messages on server''' in {menu ≡} > {menu Account Settings} > {menu Server Settings} (or equivalent in your email clients). **# Uncheck '''For at most [X] days'''. **# Manually delete messages from the POP server. We recommend you do not use '''Fetch headers only''' or equivalent in your non Thunderbird email clients. = Resources, assistance and references = How you can help improve Thunderbird, find help, and give help: * [[#w_readme-before-using-beta|Review the README above]]. * Post questions about normal Thunderbird usage in [https://support.mozilla.org/questions/new/thunderbird/form Thunderbird support] aka SUMO. * Answer questions about Thunderbird usage in [https://support.mozilla.org/questions/thunderbird?filter=recently-unanswered&show=all SUMO]. * Ask and help with beta-specific questions in the [https://thunderbird.topicbox.com/groups/beta beta topicbox community]. * [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/enter_bug.cgi?product=Thunderbird Report bugs] that you find. Report performance issues by [[Profiling Thunderbird Performance|creating a performance profile]] and adding it to your bug report or support posting. * Read informative Release Notes at {menu ≡} > {menu Help} > {menu About Thunderbird Beta} > {button Release Notes} in Thunderbird, or visit [https://www.thunderbird.net/notes/beta Beta release notes]. * [[Mozilla Crash Reporter TB|Submit all crash reports]]. * Backup your profile with {menu ≡} > {menu Tools} > {menu Export}. * Review the Beta Start Page which has handy information, accessed in Thunderbird with {for win, linux} {key ALT} > {/for}{menu Go} > {menu Mail Start Page} ([[Keyboard shortcuts - perform common Thunderbird tasks quickly#w_moving-around-thunderbird|keyboard shortcuts]]), or [https://start.thunderbird.net/beta/ in your browser]. * Join us in [https://www.thunderbird.net/participate/ other ways to contribute to the project.] = Add-ons = <!-- DO NOT REMOVE THIS HEADING ANCHOR, there are links to it from other locations --> Add-on authors are not obligated to have their add-ons work in beta. Some might not work. Consult the [[Thunderbird add-ons - frequently asked questions#w_what-if-my-add-on-is-broken|add-ons FAQ]] if you have difficulty. = How to install and run beta = Install Thunderbird Beta into its own program directory. If you download beta from official sources, then installation should happen correctly. Do check that it installs to its own program directory, for example <code>C:\Program Files\Mozilla Thunderbird Beta</code>. If you need more help please refer to installation instructions for [[Install Thunderbird on Windows|Windows]], [[Install Thunderbird on Mac|macOS]], [[Install Thunderbird on Linux|Linux]], and [[Well known sources for downloading the Thunderbird email software|official sources]] for additional details. Quick links to official beta sources: * [https://www.thunderbird.net/thunderbird/all/?release=beta Windows, macOS and Linux via Thunderbird download page] - choose the beta channel * [https://snapcraft.io/thunderbird Ubuntu from Canonical via Snap] <code>-- sudo snap install thunderbird --beta</code> * [https://discourse.flathub.org/t/how-to-use-flathub-beta/2111 Flatpak] = How do I change from a beta version back to a release version? = Do not change from beta to release by installing release into the beta program folder, nor by pointing a release install to a Thunderbird beta data profile - accessing data with an older version number of the program risks instability and corrupt data. Instead, make a separate profile for release, and transfer any data you need from the beta profile using standard tools address book export+import, for example Address Book Export/Import, or {menu ≡} > {menu Tools} > {menu Export}. Exceptions: * For POP and local mail: In the '''Mail''' directory of your Thunderbird profile you will find both '''Local Folders''' directory and POP account directories. You can copy the contents of these from one profile to another, but take care to NOT overwrite any '''msgFilters.dat''' files as they contain your filter rules.''' HOWEVER, NOTE, files from a newer version are not guaranteed to work in an older version.''' * For IMAP accounts, there should be no need to copy any files from a beta profile to your production profile. = Beta isn't for me. How can I help? = [https://www.thunderbird.net/participate/ Participate] lists many ways for you to help in the community, and places to learn more about Thunderbird.