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!

Avatar for Username

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

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

How can I get MAILTO: links to open Thunderbird?

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Mysterfied

Mysterfied
Mysterfied
more options

Until recently, clicking on a MAILTO: link opened a new message in Thunderbird. Some keyboard stumble caused that to change, and now a MAILTO: click opens a new message in Firefox. It was something I did on the keyboard, but I don't know what, and I can't find how to get back to opening TB with a MAILTO: link.

Until recently, clicking on a MAILTO: link opened a new message in Thunderbird. Some keyboard stumble caused that to change, and now a MAILTO: click opens a new message in Firefox. It was something I did on the keyboard, but I don't know what, and I can't find how to get back to opening TB with a MAILTO: link.

Chosen solution

re :I clicked on an 'icon' to send a newspaper story via email,

I presume this 'icon' was on a website in browser 'Firefox'?

Sounds like you have an issue with one or more of the following:

  1. the settings in your browser.
  2. the settings of default programs to use MAILTO protocol.
  3. I've seen instances where it could be the registry setting.

Check Mozilla Firefox browser settings:

  • click on 'Open Menu'
  • select 'Options'
  • Select 'Applications'
  • Set the 'MAILTO' protocol to use 'Thunderbird'


Double check your computer protocol 'MAILTO' setting is also 'Thunderbird'.

  • Control Panel > Default Programs >Associate a file type or protocol with a program

Protocols:

  • MAILTO needs to be set as Thunderbird.

Please check registry key:

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Clients\Mail
  • 'Start' > 'Run' > type: regedit

Locate this registry entry:

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Clients\Mail
  • on right side double click on 'Default'
  • Enter 'Mozilla Thunderbird' in 'Value Data'
  • click on 'OK'
Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (4)

user01229325
user01229325
more options

Edit. I meant to say function of your Internet browser.

Google mail to configuration for whatever browser you have.

Modified by user01229325

Mysterfied
Mysterfied Question owner
more options

I set TB as my Default Email Client in Win10 Systems and it worked for one day. This morning I am back where I was. I clicked on an icon to send a newspaper story via email, and Firefox opened the Gmail window again.

Toad-Hall
Toad-Hall
  • Top 25 Contributor
more options

Chosen Solution

re :I clicked on an 'icon' to send a newspaper story via email,

I presume this 'icon' was on a website in browser 'Firefox'?

Sounds like you have an issue with one or more of the following:

  1. the settings in your browser.
  2. the settings of default programs to use MAILTO protocol.
  3. I've seen instances where it could be the registry setting.

Check Mozilla Firefox browser settings:

  • click on 'Open Menu'
  • select 'Options'
  • Select 'Applications'
  • Set the 'MAILTO' protocol to use 'Thunderbird'


Double check your computer protocol 'MAILTO' setting is also 'Thunderbird'.

  • Control Panel > Default Programs >Associate a file type or protocol with a program

Protocols:

  • MAILTO needs to be set as Thunderbird.

Please check registry key:

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Clients\Mail
  • 'Start' > 'Run' > type: regedit

Locate this registry entry:

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Clients\Mail
  • on right side double click on 'Default'
  • Enter 'Mozilla Thunderbird' in 'Value Data'
  • click on 'OK'
Mysterfied
Mysterfied Question owner
more options

Yup, that was it. Thanks, Toad-Hall (and OF COURSE it was Firefox--Mozilla is all I can trust!)