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Lolu chungechunge lwabekwa kunqolobane. Uyacelwa ubuze umbuzo omusha uma udinga usizo.

Can I install T-bird on laptop (Win7) and configure it to use profile/messages on my desktop (also Win7) over my network due to desktop monitor/video problems?

  • 2 uphendule
  • 1 inale nkinga
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  • Igcine ukuphendulwa ngu rvnichols

rvnichols
rvnichols
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Both PCs Win7 SP1 64-bit. LOTS of HD space (1 TB & 600 GB) & RAM (8 GB) on both. Looking for a temporary ability to use the desktop for email over my network from the laptop. Desktop is functional & shared/visible on network. This requirement will go away once monitor/video problem (black screen) is solved, but I might maintain it for future use. This would allow use of email on laptop without unnecessary duplication of files/messages. Currently using POP3 on Verizon.

I assume I will have to map a drive to the desktop to use those files. Configuration of T-bird would name those mapped files, instead of the default, local ones. I'm not sure which version of TB is installed on desktop - I think 38.7.2. That's the latest saved download. Have downloaded version 45.4 for laptop install. Could copy & install 38.7.2 from desktop if necessary.

I also assume that only one of these TB installations can be run at any one time.

Both PCs Win7 SP1 64-bit. LOTS of HD space (1 TB & 600 GB) & RAM (8 GB) on both. Looking for a temporary ability to use the desktop for email over my network from the laptop. Desktop is functional & shared/visible on network. This requirement will go away once monitor/video problem (black screen) is solved, but I might maintain it for future use. This would allow use of email on laptop without unnecessary duplication of files/messages. Currently using POP3 on Verizon. I assume I will have to map a drive to the desktop to use those files. Configuration of T-bird would name those mapped files, instead of the default, local ones. I'm not sure which version of TB is installed on desktop - I think 38.7.2. That's the latest saved download. Have downloaded version 45.4 for laptop install. Could copy & install 38.7.2 from desktop if necessary. I also assume that only one of these TB installations can be run at any one time.

All Replies (2)

Zenos
Zenos
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Is Thunderbird already set up on the laptop?

Do the accounts use IMAP or POP?

I see three possible approaches.

  1. What you suggest. I don't know, I have never tried it. I have seen many reports of troubles with a profile stored on a network share.
  2. Moving or copying the profile from the broken machine to the laptop.
  3. Using VNC or TeamViewer or similar to remotely operate the desktop machine from the laptop.

3 is good for a stopgap, but will be an unpleasantly laggy experience. I use both of these programs and it's not a good way to drive a computer. Microsoft's own Remote Desktop will probably perform better. 2 is a known and therefore likely-to-work strategy. Both 3 & 2 require that you can run the broken machine so as to install the necessary software or copy the profile.

1 doesn't require being able to work on the broken machine, so long as there is already a share set up. If the appropriate drive/volume/folder isn't already shared, I think this one is no more likely to work for you than the other two.

But if your accounts use IMAP then this is probably moot. Just set up the accounts on the laptop and you will see all the same folders because they are on the server - unless you make heavy use of Local Folders on the broken machine.

rvnichols
rvnichols Umnikazi wombuzo
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Thanks for the response.

No. 3 is a no-go, as I'm not willing to install remote control SW on my machines. Noticeable security risk.

I think I'll copy the profile over and point the messages location to the desktop share. We'll see what happens.

Thanks again.