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

How can I read my old POP3 emails on Thunderbird from a closed email account that Thunderbird first wants me to open?

  • 3 cavab
  • 1 has this problem
  • 6 views
  • Last reply by Zenos

more options

For several years, I routinely used Thunderbird to download (POP mode) emails from my previous Centurytel.net email account. I thought that these POP emails downloaded onto my computer via Thunderbird would later be readable, even though I closed my Centurytel.net email account. However, when opening Thunderbird (to try to read any), the Thunderbird software insists on first logging into that (now defunct email account) by username and password. Of course, now that fails as that account at Centurytel.net no longer exists. Is there a way to still read such old emails by bypassing in Thunderbird the requirement to first log into that now defunct email account?

Thanks in advance for any and all help, Paul

For several years, I routinely used Thunderbird to download (POP mode) emails from my previous Centurytel.net email account. I thought that these POP emails downloaded onto my computer via Thunderbird would later be readable, even though I closed my Centurytel.net email account. However, when opening Thunderbird (to try to read any), the Thunderbird software insists on first logging into that (now defunct email account) by username and password. Of course, now that fails as that account at Centurytel.net no longer exists. Is there a way to still read such old emails by bypassing in Thunderbird the requirement to first log into that now defunct email account? Thanks in advance for any and all help, Paul

Chosen solution

Urgh. Was Tools|Account Settings|{select the centurytel account}|Server Settings→Fetch Headers Only checked? If so, you don't have the message bodies. They are (or were) on the server.

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (3)

more options

Try setting Thunderbird to offline - look under File on the menu.

Now if you move the messages to Local Folders, you can delete the account in Thunderbird and you won't get any further connection errors.

more options

Thanks. My other IMAP messages have at least name and subject, but my POP messages are apparently missing or gone entirely (?).

more options

Seçilmiş Həll

Urgh. Was Tools|Account Settings|{select the centurytel account}|Server Settings→Fetch Headers Only checked? If so, you don't have the message bodies. They are (or were) on the server.

Modified by Zenos