re: I have tried to copy thunderbird directory for backup but it wont let me transfer profiles. You do not transfer profile, you copy & paste it to an external device as a backup. I presume you were trying to copy the profile and not the program. How to create backup of Profile folder. first make hidden files and folders visible: * http://kb.mozillazine.org/Show_hidden_files_and_folders In Thunderbird: * Help > Troubleshooting Information * click on 'show folder' button this will open your a new window showing you the contents of your profile folder name. * '''Close Thunderbirdnow - this is important.''' The Profile folder name is typically called xxxxxxxx.default, where the x's are letters and numbers. * You can copy paste the profile folder name to a location outside of Thunderbird eg: create a folder on Desktop called 'My TB Backup' and paste the profile folder name into that folder. this info can also be located via 'Search Mozilla support'. * https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-tb Then uninstall the current Thunderbird program - this should not effect your profile fodler as theya re stored in different locations, but it is always a good idea to have a backup. If Windows: Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features select Mozilla thunderbird and click on 'uninstall' Then download and install a new up to date version from the link below. * https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/all/ Make sure you choose the prefered language and correct download for you OS. If all goes to plan, you will not need the backup. Thunderbird should install and when you start thunderbird, it should locate your Profile and display all the emails etc.