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data move profile import export

This article explains how to move Thunderbird data (such as account data and messages) to a new computer.

{for win} [[Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywJ6eQwhb78]] {/for} __TOC__ = Copying all your Thunderbird data = You can copy your Thunderbird data to a new computer with a simple 4-step procedure that copies your [[Profiles - Where Thunderbird stores your messages and other user data|profile]], and then tells Thunderbird where to find your profile. In Thunderbird, your profile is a set of computer files containing your personal information including messages, passwords and user preferences. # To find the folder where your profile is stored, from the {menu Help} menu, click {menu Troubleshooting Information} then look for ''Profile Folder'', and click on the {for mac}{button Show In Finder}{/for}{for not mac}{button Open Folder}{/for} button. This will open a window showing information about your profile folder. {for win}In this window, you will see a path of names, starting with names of parent folders that contain your profile folder, and ending with the name of your profile folder. The path will look something like this example: {filepath This PC > Elements(D:) > Other Documents > Amy's Thunderbird Profile}{/for} # Use {for win8,win10}File Explorer{/for}{for winxp,win7}Windows Explorer]{/for}{for mac}Finder{/for}{for linux}your computer's file manager{/for} to copy your profile folder to a new computer. You can put your profile folder into a parent folder of your choice.{warning}'''Warning:''' Do not copy a profile folder while Thunderbird is running and using that profile.{/warning} # Open the Thunderbird Profile Manager. For instructions, visit [[Using Multiple Profiles]]. # The Thunderbird Profile Manager displays a list of profiles recognized by Thunderbird, listed by name. You can think of each name in the list as a nickname that Thunderbird uses to identify each recognized profile. Here's an example of the Thunderbird Profile Manager window:<br><br>[[Image:Thunderbird Choose User Profile]]<br>Proceed to tell Thunderbird to recognize your new profile: ## Click the {button Create Profile} button. ## Click {for win, linux}{button Next}{/for}{for mac}{button Continue}{/for}. ## Enter a new nickname for your new Thunderbird Profile (this does not need to be the same as the name of your profile folder). ## Click the {button Choose Folder} button, ## Navigate to and select your new location's profile folder. ## Click {for win, linux}{button Select Folder}{/for}{for mac}{button Open}{/for}. ## Click {for win, linux}{button Finish}{/for}{for mac}{button Done}{/for}. You will now see your new profile included in the list. * '''If each time you start Thunderbird you want to select from a choice of profiles''', uncheck the ''Use the selected profile without asking'' box. * '''To automatically use a specific profile whenever Thunderbird starts''', select that profile and check the ''Use the selected profile without asking'' box. (You can always open the Choose User Profile window again, to change this setting.) = Your Thunderbird Profile = Your Thunderbird Profile stores everything about your email, including locally stored messages and attachments, address lists, account settings, Thunderbird settings, stored passwords, tasks, calendar data, and data for add-on features. You can keep a profile on just about any kind of storage or device. {note}'''Note:''' If you want to keep your Thunderbird data secure, consider making regular backups of your profile. It's wise to use good judgement about revealing Thunderbird profile names, folder names and storage locations to others.{/note} Learn more about your profile at [[Profiles - Where Thunderbird stores your messages and other user data]].