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Migrating from backup disk after Win 8.1 'refresh'

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by duggabe

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I recently had to 'refresh' my Win 8.1 computer. Of course, the process erased all of the Thunderbird files and data. Fortunately, I had a recent backup on a separate HD. After re-installing Thunderbird, that's when I found out that all of the previous files and data were gone.

So . . . a little digging around on your web site and a little experience, I went and copied all of the files from the old Mozilla folder to replace the 'new' ones and then tried the program - it opened as it was after the new install. So, I found the 'profile' data in the old HD - it was in a different folder name in respect to the new install. Now, being around computers fro more than 30 years, I copied the contents, not the folder, to the new folder, thus replacing the new files therein. (I figured the Registry would only recognize the new profile folder name, not the old one - maybe I'm right - who knows?)

Opened up Thunderbird - wonderful - all is as was!

IMO, it'd be nice of this info / process was a bit more clear in the support section and perhaps a script / program to make it painless. But, the info - and my experience - got me back to where I was before the 'refresh'. So happy now.

BTW - I only use Thunderbird for RSS feeds, so there might be more to this process if another user uses it for mail and whatever else. But, at least its a start.

Windows is still a pain. I hope that Win 10 is less so.

THANKS for the support links and files - they helped.  :)

I recently had to 'refresh' my Win 8.1 computer. Of course, the process erased all of the Thunderbird files and data. Fortunately, I had a recent backup on a separate HD. After re-installing Thunderbird, that's when I found out that all of the previous files and data were gone. So . . . a little digging around on your web site and a little experience, I went and copied all of the files from the old Mozilla folder to replace the 'new' ones and then tried the program - it opened as it was after the new install. So, I found the 'profile' data in the old HD - it was in a different folder name in respect to the new install. Now, being around computers fro more than 30 years, I copied the contents, not the folder, to the new folder, thus replacing the new files therein. (I figured the Registry would only recognize the new profile folder name, not the old one - maybe I'm right - who knows?) Opened up Thunderbird - wonderful - all is as was! IMO, it'd be nice of this info / process was a bit more clear in the support section and perhaps a script / program to make it painless. But, the info - and my experience - got me back to where I was before the 'refresh'. So happy now. BTW - I only use Thunderbird for RSS feeds, so there might be more to this process if another user uses it for mail and whatever else. But, at least its a start. Windows is still a pain. I hope that Win 10 is less so. THANKS for the support links and files - they helped. :)

All Replies (3)

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I'm glad it worked out for you :)

Would you like to help improve the documentation or answer questions in this support forum? Get involved! see https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/contribute/?icn=tabz

BTW, there are other operating systems. I have been very happy with Ubuntu Linux.

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Hi Duggabe.

After 35 years going from CP/M, DOS and all versions of Windows, I really don't wish to learn another OS - my brain is to wired to the MS crap by now. I remember 'real' 8" floppy disks, 64 MB of (cutting edge at the time, replacing the 'old', power hungry - heat your house - static RAM) DRAM and horrible, unreliable 5 and 10 MB of hard drive storage - YES - all Megabytes!! Unlikely to change my (bad) habits at my age. LOL.

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I started before that with paper tape and 1K of RAM! But we are getting off-topic. See my website at http://barryduggan.info/home.php

Best wishes.