Windows 10 reached EOS (end of support) on October 14, 2025. If you are on Windows 10, see this article.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More
Archived

How to save all messages on my computer when I delete account

Matt replied
DocSpratley

I have a business account that is closed. I want to save the messages in my computer, but am concerned that if I "delete" the account, everything will be lost. How do I set this up?

I have a business account that is closed. I want to save the messages in my computer, but am concerned that if I "delete" the account, everything will be lost. How do I set this up?

All Replies (5)

Hello DocSpratley

Please let us know your machine type so that we can give you custom solution for this question.

Michael

Using an Asus tower with Windows 8.1. Running Thunderbird 31.6.0

Is the account IMAP or POP? Are mails in the local folders global local storage or shown in the folder tree under their own account?

The account was IMAP. The mail is in a folder tree under their own account, but under TB I have 6 other accounts listed when I open the program....each with their own folders and account.

My person choice of methods is.

Install the import export tools add-on. https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/addon/importexporttools/ Export the mail to eml format to your hard disk

USe the same tool to re-import them to local folders in Thunderbird.

The same can be achieved through drag and drop directly to Thunderbird local folders. By I feel the export/Import process leaves a better trail of crumbs if something goes wrong.