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I need help importing a profile and having it saved because folders do not appear when reopening application

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  • Last reply by sfhowes

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I had recently purchased a new workstation and installed Thunderbird on new machine. I then exported my profile from Tools\importExport Tools\export all folder (with structure) then, of course, imported the same to new machine via the same menu structure except I imported profile.

Initally, all was fine except when opening the application  any time afterwards, I only see the email accounts with no  emails seen in the inbox or any sub folders.  In order to see, I again need to do another import by selecting path and creating a name for the profile all over again.

I greatly appreciate your assistance!!

I had recently purchased a new workstation and installed Thunderbird on new machine. I then exported my profile from Tools\importExport Tools\export all folder (with structure) then, of course, imported the same to new machine via the same menu structure except I imported profile. Initally, all was fine except when opening the application any time afterwards, I only see the email accounts with no emails seen in the inbox or any sub folders. In order to see, I again need to do another import by selecting path and creating a name for the profile all over again. I greatly appreciate your assistance!!

All Replies (2)

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You don't export or import a profile. You simply copy the profile and use it as is on the new machine. Follow the instructions to create a new profile and copy the old one over it. http://kb.mozillazine.org/Moving_your_profile_folder_-_Thunderbird#Create_a_new_profile_and_copy_the_old_one_over_it

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I think you confused exporting folders (mail) with exporting profiles. If you select Tools/ImportExportTools/Export profile, you can then import it on the new PC with Tools/ImportExportTools/Import profile.

But the best way to copy an entire TB setup from one computer to another is to move the Thunderbird folder:

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/moving-thunderbird-data-to-a-new-computer