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

thunderbird not saving account settings

  • 5 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by Matt

more options

Hi - I use thunderbird for email on a mac. I have been having a problem for the last 3 months. Every time thunderbird is closed, the email settings are erased. So when I open the program, I need to always re-enter / set up the account. I have 2 other computers, one a mac, and this does not happen so I must be missing a checkbox/selection somewhere but I can't locate where that must be....

Hi - I use thunderbird for email on a mac. I have been having a problem for the last 3 months. Every time thunderbird is closed, the email settings are erased. So when I open the program, I need to always re-enter / set up the account. I have 2 other computers, one a mac, and this does not happen so I must be missing a checkbox/selection somewhere but I can't locate where that must be....

All Replies (5)

more options

Launch TB, open Help/Troubleshooting, click Show in Finder to open the profile folder. There is a prefs.js file, but are there prefs-1.js, prefs-2.js, prefs-3.js.... files, and how many?

Are there any 3rd-party 'cleaner' apps on this computer and acting on TB?

more options

Hi! The mac that is having the problem only shows 1. My other mac shows 22 - so clearly a problem I would think when comparing the two. And no - no 3rd party cleaner apps on that computer.

more options

If there's only prefs.js, check that the file is not read-only in file Properties.

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/mac-help/mchlp1203/mac

If the prefs.js is corrupted and you don't have a good backup, try creating a new profile, add your account, and see if it is retained upon TB restart. Help/Troubleshooting, about:profiles, to create and run profiles.

more options

Hi - I checked and permissions are set to read write. Will try to create a new profile

more options

where is the profile located exactly. Macs allow you to execute the DMG in the temp folder and as the installer has not been run everything is deleted when the device is rebooted because it is in the temp folder..