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Simplify this article

  • 12 Replies
  • Last reply by James
  1. Chris Ilias 2447 posts
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    After reviewing the instructions in this article (both new and old), I'm pretty convinced that our instructions for moving Thunderbird data have been way too complicated for many years. If someone were to ask me how to back up, migrate, and restore Thunderbird data, I would now say:

    1. Close Thunderbird.
    2. Go to <path to appdata>
    3. Back up the folder called "Thunderbird".
    4. When/If you need to restore it, just replace your current version of that folder with your backup.

    That's all. While the link in Troubleshooting Information is nice, it requires too many extra steps. It's useful when troubleshooting (i.e. deleting a file in your profile folder), but may not be the best method for profile backup. If you back up just the profile folder without profiles.ini, you need to add extra steps to set up the new profile.

    • This covers any extra profiles the user may have.
    • If the user has created profiles in other location, then they will already know what other folders to copy (we can add a note for those users).

    Does anyone have concerns about simplifying the article to something like this?

    After reviewing the instructions in this article (both new and old), I'm pretty convinced that our instructions for moving Thunderbird data have been way too complicated for many years. If someone were to ask me how to back up, migrate, and restore Thunderbird data, I would now say: # Close Thunderbird. # Go to ''<nowiki><path to appdata></nowiki>'' # Back up the folder called "''Thunderbird''". # When/If you need to restore it, just replace your current version of that folder with your backup. That's all. While the link in Troubleshooting Information is nice, it requires too many extra steps. It's useful when troubleshooting (i.e. deleting a file in your profile folder), but may not be the best method for profile backup. If you back up just the profile folder without profiles.ini, you need to add extra steps to set up the new profile. * This covers any extra profiles the user may have. * If the user has created profiles in other location, then they will already know what other folders to copy (we can add a note for those users). Does anyone have concerns about simplifying the article to something like this?
  2. sfhowes 14 posts
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    It might be simpler, for those unfamiliar with step 2., to suggest clicking the Open Folder button in Troubleshooting, close TB, go 'up' two levels in the file manager to show the Thunderbird folder, then copy etc. Perhaps add a comment that if moving the TB folder to another computer, some things like the path to the Downloads folder might be different, and helper applications for attachments may have to be reset (by e.g. deleting mimeTypes.rdf.)

    It might be simpler, for those unfamiliar with step 2., to suggest clicking the Open Folder button in Troubleshooting, close TB, go 'up' two levels in the file manager to show the Thunderbird folder, then copy etc. Perhaps add a comment that if moving the TB folder to another computer, some things like the path to the Downloads folder might be different, and helper applications for attachments may have to be reset (by e.g. deleting mimeTypes.rdf.)
  3. Gnospen 2 posts
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    A way to find the path, is to use %Appdata% in your file manager. It points you to appdata\roaming where the thunderbird-folder is.

    Works even if your "show hidden folders" is of

    A way to find the path, is to use %Appdata% in your file manager. It points you to appdata\roaming where the thunderbird-folder is. Works even if your "show hidden folders" is of
  4. tanstaafl 12 posts
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    I agree with sfhowes .

    I think its a good idea to simplify things by avoiding use of the profile manager and just copy the appropriate directory tree. But trying to have this KB article also apply to backing up and restoring a profile only works well if the user only has one profile. If they restore a entire snapshot of the directory tree they will lose any more recent data in the other profiles.

    Another thing to keep in mind is that I'm seeing a lot more users wanting to store their data on a different drive due to the growing popularity of SSDs.

    I suggest there be separate KB articles for moving data to another computer, and backing up/restoring your data. That will make it easier to keep the first article shorter and simpler.

    I agree with sfhowes . I think its a good idea to simplify things by avoiding use of the profile manager and just copy the appropriate directory tree. But trying to have this KB article also apply to backing up and restoring a profile only works well if the user only has one profile. If they restore a entire snapshot of the directory tree they will lose any more recent data in the other profiles. Another thing to keep in mind is that I'm seeing a lot more users wanting to store their data on a different drive due to the growing popularity of SSDs. I suggest there be separate KB articles for moving data to another computer, and backing up/restoring your data. That will make it easier to keep the first article shorter and simpler.
  5. Chris Ilias 2447 posts
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    sfhowes said

    It might be simpler, for those unfamiliar with step 2., to suggest clicking the Open Folder button in Troubleshooting, close TB, go 'up' two levels in the file manager to show the Thunderbird folder, then copy etc.

    If I understand correctly, you're saying that the instructions in the article should match the embedded youtube video (for Windows users), which says to use the Troubleshooting Information page, then go up three levels. Correct?

    Perhaps add a comment that if moving the TB folder to another computer, some things like the path to the Downloads folder might be different, and helper applications for attachments may have to be reset (by e.g. deleting mimeTypes.rdf.)

    I didn't even know this was an issue. Has it caused problems?

    ''sfhowes [[#post-16775|said]]'' <blockquote> It might be simpler, for those unfamiliar with step 2., to suggest clicking the Open Folder button in Troubleshooting, close TB, go 'up' two levels in the file manager to show the Thunderbird folder, then copy etc. </blockquote> If I understand correctly, you're saying that the instructions in the article should match the embedded youtube video (for Windows users), which says to use the Troubleshooting Information page, then go up three levels. Correct? <blockquote> Perhaps add a comment that if moving the TB folder to another computer, some things like the path to the Downloads folder might be different, and helper applications for attachments may have to be reset (by e.g. deleting mimeTypes.rdf.) </blockquote> I didn't even know this was an issue. Has it caused problems?
  6. sfhowes 14 posts
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    Yes, up 3 levels from the profile folder to show .../Roaming/Thunderbird (Windows) or .../Library/Thunderbird (OSX).

    I haven't heard about users having problems with different paths or applications, but it could be a factor if e.g. a different program is used to open pdf files on the source and target computers. It's not a factor if the backup and restoration is done on the same computer, but I think there are as many, if not more, cases of moving from an 'old' computer to a 'new' one.

    Yes, up 3 levels from the profile folder to show .../Roaming/Thunderbird (Windows) or .../Library/Thunderbird (OSX). I haven't heard about users having problems with different paths or applications, but it could be a factor if e.g. a different program is used to open pdf files on the source and target computers. It's not a factor if the backup and restoration is done on the same computer, but I think there are as many, if not more, cases of moving from an 'old' computer to a 'new' one.
  7. Chris Ilias 2447 posts
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    One thing I found when reviewing the screencast with those steps is that there are a lot of steps, and it is repetitive.

    For comparison, Using the Troubleshooting Information page:

    1. go to help > Troubleshooting
    2. click on Open Folder
    3. close Thunderbird
    4. go up three levels
    5. Copy Thunderbird folder to drive
    6. On destination computer, open Thunderbird, but don't set up accounts
    7. go to help > Troubleshooting
    8. click on Open Folder
    9. close Thunderbird
    10. go up three levels
    11. paste folder from drive

    Using Run dialog:

    1. close Thunderbird
    2. Open Run dialog
    3. Enter %APPDATA%, and click OK
    4. Copy Thunderbird folder to drive
    5. On destination computer, open Run dialog
    6. Enter %APPDATA%, and click OK
    7. paste folder from drive
    One thing I found when reviewing the screencast with those steps is that there are a lot of steps, and it is repetitive. For comparison, '''Using the Troubleshooting Information page:''' # go to help > Troubleshooting # click on Open Folder # close Thunderbird # go up three levels # Copy Thunderbird folder to drive # On destination computer, open Thunderbird, but don't set up accounts # go to help > Troubleshooting # click on Open Folder # close Thunderbird # go up three levels # paste folder from drive '''Using Run dialog:''' # close Thunderbird # Open Run dialog # Enter %APPDATA%, and click OK # Copy Thunderbird folder to drive # On destination computer, open Run dialog # Enter %APPDATA%, and click OK # paste folder from drive
  8. sfhowes 14 posts
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    Sometimes, the longer route is faster than the direct route. I think you would be surprised how many users are unfamiliar with 'Open Run Dialog' (I would add 'press Win key + R') and even basic operations with File Explorer. Besides, is there a 'Run dialog' in OSX and Linux, and is %APPDATA% Windows only? I would be satisfied with instructions that cover 95% of users.

    Sometimes, the longer route is faster than the direct route. I think you would be surprised how many users are unfamiliar with 'Open Run Dialog' (I would add 'press Win key + R') and even basic operations with File Explorer. Besides, is there a 'Run dialog' in OSX and Linux, and is %APPDATA% Windows only? I would be satisfied with instructions that cover 95% of users.
  9. Chris Ilias 2447 posts
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    Below is an updated comparison, using more finalized text and no formatting. The KB can display different content for each operating system and version of Thunderbird, so instructions can be different for Mac and Linux.

    Using Troubleshooting Information

    1. Click on the menu button, then go to the Help and select Troubleshooting Information.
    2. Click on Open Folder. Your Thunderbird profile folder will open in Windows Explorer.
    3. Close Thunderbird.
    4. From your Thunderbird profile folder, go up three levels.
    5. Right-click on the Thunderbird folder, and select Copy.
    6. Go to the drive you are using to transfer your data, then right-click inside the drive, and select Paste.
    7. On destination computer, right click on your backup Thunderbird folder, and select Copy.
    8. Open Thunderbird, and close the account setup window if it appears.
    9. Click on the menu button, then go to the Help and select Troubleshooting Information.
    10. Click on Open Folder. Your Thunderbird profile folder will open in Windows Explorer.
    11. Close Thunderbird.
    12. From your Thunderbird profile folder, go up three levels.
    13. Right-click inside the folder, and select Paste.
    14. When prompted, choose to replace your current data.


    Using Run dialog

    1. Close Thunderbird.
    2. Press Windows Key+R on the keyboard to open the Run dialog.
    3. Type %APPDATA% then click OK.
    4. Right-click on the Thunderbird folder, and select Copy.
    5. Go to the drive you are using to transfer your data, then right-click inside the drive, and select Paste.
    6. On destination computer, press Windows Key+R on the keyboard to open the Run dialog.
    7. Enter %APPDATA%, and click OK
    8. Right-click inside the folder, and select Paste.
    9. If prompted, choose to replace your current data.
    Below is an updated comparison, using more finalized text and no formatting. The KB can display different content for each operating system and version of Thunderbird, so instructions can be different for Mac and Linux. '''Using Troubleshooting Information''' # Click on the menu button, then go to the Help and select Troubleshooting Information. # Click on Open Folder. Your Thunderbird profile folder will open in Windows Explorer. # Close Thunderbird. # From your Thunderbird profile folder, go up three levels. # Right-click on the Thunderbird folder, and select Copy. # Go to the drive you are using to transfer your data, then right-click inside the drive, and select Paste. # On destination computer, right click on your backup Thunderbird folder, and select Copy. # Open Thunderbird, and close the account setup window if it appears. # Click on the menu button, then go to the Help and select Troubleshooting Information. # Click on Open Folder. Your Thunderbird profile folder will open in Windows Explorer. # Close Thunderbird. # From your Thunderbird profile folder, go up three levels. # Right-click inside the folder, and select Paste. # When prompted, choose to replace your current data. '''Using Run dialog''' # Close Thunderbird. # Press [[Image:Windows Key]]+R on the keyboard to open the Run dialog. # Type %APPDATA% then click OK. # Right-click on the Thunderbird folder, and select Copy. # Go to the drive you are using to transfer your data, then right-click inside the drive, and select Paste. # On destination computer, press [[Image:Windows Key]]+R on the keyboard to open the Run dialog. # Enter %APPDATA%, and click OK # Right-click inside the folder, and select Paste. # If prompted, choose to replace your current data.
  10. Gnospen 2 posts
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    Someone with another OS than Windows can test if this works in their file manager: instead of "press Windows Key +R" just enter %appdata% in the file manager (explorer in windows) and copy/paste Thunderbird.

    Someone with another OS than Windows can test if this works in their file manager: instead of "press Windows Key +R" just enter %appdata% in the file manager (explorer in windows) and copy/paste Thunderbird.
  11. Chris Ilias 2447 posts
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    I've got a draft of the article up, using the Troubleshooting Information method - https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/moving-thunderbird-data-to-a-new-computer/revision/165124

    I've got a draft of the article up, using the Troubleshooting Information method - https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/moving-thunderbird-data-to-a-new-computer/revision/165124
  12. michael657 0 posts
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    Just sayin' none of this helps even if 'you know what you are doing' when TB doesn't then give you the emails which you had access to a day earlier. (my current issue)

    I will say that the " go up three" made no sense to me as that brought me out of appdata because of where my email was. Took a moment for me to determine what you were trying to direct me to do, specifically, to copy the Thunderbird directory (completely) into the new folder but hey... TB creates a new default folder and doesn't look at the contents of the profiles directory to list profiles for use it looks to the profiles.ini. The profiles.ini is a whole different ball of wax to the person unfamiliar with Thunderbird. Deleting the profiles.ini and going through the motions keeps adding more profile names to slog through. That was a fun half hour or so. Not to mention with the heavy email backlog I have the copy time is in excess of 20 minutes each time I tried something 'else'. then there is the parent.lock file... Ya... couple hours before I went looking for a lock file. Unfortunately that wasn't the problem but... who knows if something I tried last thursday would have worked if I had deleted the 'leftover' lock file. Now it is Monday and I've done so many different things I might as well be just starting all over.

    Just sayin' none of this helps even if 'you know what you are doing' when TB doesn't then give you the emails which you had access to a day earlier. (my current issue) I will say that the " go up three" made no sense to me as that brought me out of appdata because of where my email was. Took a moment for me to determine what you were trying to direct me to do, specifically, to copy the Thunderbird directory (completely) into the new folder but hey... TB creates a new default folder and doesn't look at the contents of the profiles directory to list profiles for use it looks to the profiles.ini. The profiles.ini is a whole different ball of wax to the person unfamiliar with Thunderbird. Deleting the profiles.ini and going through the motions keeps adding more profile names to slog through. That was a fun half hour or so. Not to mention with the heavy email backlog I have the copy time is in excess of 20 minutes each time I tried something 'else'. then there is the parent.lock file... Ya... couple hours before I went looking for a lock file. Unfortunately that wasn't the problem but... who knows if something I tried last thursday would have worked if I had deleted the 'leftover' lock file. Now it is Monday and I've done so many different things I might as well be just starting all over.
  13. James 1444 posts
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    michael657, Please Continue in your thread in the Thunderbird Support Forum section at /questions/1436821

    This is a thread in the discussion section for the https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/moving-thunderbird-data-to-a-new-computer Knowledge Base Article as the discussion section of KB articles is not for support.

    '''michael657''', Please Continue in your thread in the Thunderbird Support Forum section at [/questions/1436821] This is a thread in the discussion section for the https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/moving-thunderbird-data-to-a-new-computer Knowledge Base Article as the discussion section of KB articles is not for support.

    Modified by James on