We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

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

I mistakenly deleted the messages in "All Mail". I restored from a backup, but now the message headers appear, then disappear after a second. Help!

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Sea Mac

more options

The restored backup works fine on most accounts, but there are two which have this problem. I think the messages are there, but they will not stay displayed to be clicked on and opened. Once the headers have been displayed and have disappeared I have to restart Thunderbird in order for them to display again. I can send and receive messages, and newly received messages remain displayed.

The restored backup works fine on most accounts, but there are two which have this problem. I think the messages are there, but they will not stay displayed to be clicked on and opened. Once the headers have been displayed and have disappeared I have to restart Thunderbird in order for them to display again. I can send and receive messages, and newly received messages remain displayed.

All Replies (4)

more options

SBBusboy said

The restored backup works fine on most accounts, but there are two which have this problem. I think the messages are there, but they will not stay displayed to be clicked on and opened. Once the headers have been displayed and have disappeared I have to restart Thunderbird in order for them to display again. I can send and receive messages, and newly received messages remain displayed.

Try repairing the two "Inboxes" on those two accounts.

First: Right click on the Inbox folder

Select Properties

On the little Panel that pops up: Click the Repair button.

Do it once for each of the "Broken" accounts. Let me know if that helps.


(See these screenshots:)

Modified by Sea Mac

more options

No, that didn't fix it. The Message headers don't even display now. I fear that I've lost my messages...

more options

Try "Rebuilding the Global Database" as per this very useful page: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/rebuilding-global-database

I hope your backup of your profile folder is not corrupted ... that wouldn't be too good ...

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-thunderbird-stores-user-data#thunderbird:win8:tb68

Modified by Sea Mac

more options

One other thing to check ... log into the account through Web Mail and see if all of the messages are in the "Trash" folder still, in there.

You might be able to still restore the messages from the Trash Folder IF they haven't been in there too long ... Select All, and then Drag and Drop them back on the Inbox folder.