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New version 128 updates to 131

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Good morning, I had asked a question early on Saturday, but was unavailable the rest of the weekend so just now responding to associate Corey Bryan's answer. I had gotten a message that I am using an unsupported version and they recommend downloading the latest stable version. He said it appears that I'm on the "Release" channel and most likely want to be on the ESR channel. I also mentioned that I am a cave-man when it comes to anything computer and am very skittish about making any changes as I don't how to straighten out any errors that might occur. He asked me where I installed Thunderbird from and the answer is that I don't know. It was an IT guy that did it many years ago. So I guess my questions are, if I've been using this version for years, do I need to or should I update it? If so, if I click on the latest stable version of Thunderbird, will that change anything on my computer, aside from getting the newer version of T-Bird? And will my e-mails in Thunderbird look any different? Thanks very much for the help. Tony

Good morning, I had asked a question early on Saturday, but was unavailable the rest of the weekend so just now responding to associate Corey Bryan's answer. I had gotten a message that I am using an unsupported version and they recommend downloading the latest stable version. He said it appears that I'm on the "Release" channel and most likely want to be on the ESR channel. I also mentioned that I am a cave-man when it comes to anything computer and am very skittish about making any changes as I don't how to straighten out any errors that might occur. He asked me where I installed Thunderbird from and the answer is that I don't know. It was an IT guy that did it many years ago. So I guess my questions are, if I've been using this version for years, do I need to or should I update it? If so, if I click on the latest stable version of Thunderbird, will that change anything on my computer, aside from getting the newer version of T-Bird? And will my e-mails in Thunderbird look any different? Thanks very much for the help. Tony

Modified by Wayne Mery

Chosen solution

Thank you SOOOO much for the replies on 1:07 and 1:09. Very helpful!

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Some info will help. - click help>about and share what version you are using - now, click settings>general and scroll down to the Updates section and click the button that shows update history and report what the prior version was.

That may help, as a version installed years ago would not upgrade to an unsupported version. An unsupported version can only be installed from other distribution sources than Thunderbird's. Knowing that may help is advising how to avoid this. Thank you.

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This is the link to other question - https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1467517

It's best to continue the conversation in the original question.

But it would be helpful if you tell us what version you are using at the moment.

All update info will be here :

  • Settings > General
  • scroll down to 'Updates' section
  • clickon 'Show update history'
  • Post an image of what it says.

Info also here: In Thunderbird Help > About Thunderbird What version does it say you are using ?

You can also find information here: Help > Troubleshooting Information

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Thanks for getting back to me. It looks like the version number is 131.0. The update history says that there were several 128.3 update attempts in the last week that could not be installed as the patch failed? Thank you. Tony I

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Earlier, I misspoke. Version 131.0 had earlier not been on the official page. My apologies for any confusion. The 131.0 is safe to use, but may have a few bugs. It's as safe as beta, and many use beta daily. If you can live with that, no change is necessary.

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It looks like the version number is 131.0.

Version 131.0 | Released October 1, 2024 Thunderbird version 131.0 is available for testing purposes only.

Maybe you have some updater software on your computer and it detected that particular update and therefore updated Thunderbird.

Many people have and use Updater Software so auto updates occur in programs. However, Updater Software has no knowledge about what is the correct version to use when it comes to updating. When major releases occur, Thunderbird never offers an update to that major release immediately and usually updates a current version to within same number eg: 128.1.0 update to 128.2.0 etc

Please check your Updater Software and make sure Thunderbird is not one the apps it can auto update. You really need to have Thunderbird in full control of updates.

The latest release is Version 128.3.0esr.

The version you are currently using has a number which is greater than the current release. That means it doesn't like to go backwards, so basically there is no auto update to a version that goes backwards !

If you want to use the current release version - You can do this - I'm assuming you are using a Windows OS.

In Thunderbird Help > Troubleshooting Information Under 'Application Basics' - half way is Profile Folder - click on 'Open Folder'

A new window opens showing the contents of your profile name folder.

Exit Thunderbird now - this is important.

Look for 'compatibility.ini' file and delete it.

At this point - you could create abackup - just in case :) Go up directory to 'Profiles' folder Go up directory to 'Thunderbird' folder Go up directory to 'Roaming' folder Copy the 'Thunderbird' folder Paste it into another location - eg: D: drive or external drive or if still unsure - create a folder on desktop and call it 'TB-Backup' and then paste the copied 'Thunderbird folder into that folder.

Now uninstall Thunderbird - just the program. in Windows search type: uninstall select 'Add or Remove Programs' Locate Thunderbird 131.0 click on uninstall

Now to get new release: Go to this link: https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/thunderbird/all/

Make sure to select correct 'Locale' as the US may be the default. Channel : 'Thunderbird Extended Support Release' OS: Windows

Click on 'Download' Then run and install.

When you restart Thunderbird a new 'compatibity.ini' file gets created. It should restart and use the same profile.

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Thank you SOOOO much for the replies on 1:07 and 1:09. Very helpful!

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