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Thunderbird address autocomplete pulls random addresses

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  • 2 have this problem
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  • Last reply by christ1

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After an update a year or so ago my email address autocomplete started pulling up random addresses. Before it seemed like the first address was always the one I used most but now autocomplete may pull up an address that I haven't used in years over one that has the same first 3 letters that I use 30 times a day. Oddly it seems to matter how quickly I type the first letters as well. It may pull up the most used address 50 times in a row and then randomly pick another one. I'm on version 38.0.1 and windows 7. I've Googled this problem several times but can't seem to find an answer.

After an update a year or so ago my email address autocomplete started pulling up random addresses. Before it seemed like the first address was always the one I used most but now autocomplete may pull up an address that I haven't used in years over one that has the same first 3 letters that I use 30 times a day. Oddly it seems to matter how quickly I type the first letters as well. It may pull up the most used address 50 times in a row and then randomly pick another one. I'm on version 38.0.1 and windows 7. I've Googled this problem several times but can't seem to find an answer.

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Some time ago the search feature was changed such that it would find your search term embedded inside a string, not just the beginning as it used to be. Many users found this unsettling. Using the terminology of Thunderbird filters, it changed from "starts with" to "contains".

I'd say just keep typing, and thereby make your search more specific. The unwanted offerings should vanish.

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Thank you for taking the time to respond. I guess what I don't understand is why I can type in the same 3 letters and have autocomplete pull up different first choices at random times. The speed at which the letters are typed also makes a big difference in terms of the first name pulled. Also just because an address pulled first and is highlighted sometimes another address will jump to the front when I hit enter without me noticing. This is seemingly random as well. I have used Thunderbird for years and years without ever having a problem at all. Now at least once or twice a day I send email to the wrong person. I send and receive roughly 300- 400 emails a day.

Thank you again for taking the time to help me. David

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