TB 52.4 When I touch on an e-mail, it creates a file in a specfic dir
When touch on an e-mail it creates a file that is in this directory C:\.........\cache2\entries\ If I touch on the same e-mail a 2nd time the file name stays the same but the date updates The first image shows the file names, the second shows a file opened with WORD I use TB for 2 profiles and the other one doesn't have this problem. I went through tools/account settings & tools/options and have matched the problem profile to the working one. I need this fixed as it fails for the sync s/w & backup as thousands of files can be created
Thank you in advance
Chosen solution
"Pref" was short for "preference" and you weren't meant to type it. The name you need to enter is
browser.cache.disk.parent_directory
Right-click in the configuration editor and you be shown an option to create a new item. You'll want a string type in this case, and use that string above as its name. The value will be the pathname you were advised to set up manually.
Read this answer in context 👍 1All Replies (7)
When touch on an e-mail
What does this mean?
The ... second shows a file opened with WORD
That looks like a PNG attachment.
I need this fixed as it fails for the sync s/w & backup as thousands of files can be created
it creates a file that is in this directory C:\.........\cache2\entries\
It would certainly help to provide the full path. The cache2 folder shouldn't be underneath the profile folder, because there's no point to back it up. Typically cache2 is located underneath C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Thunderbird\Profiles\<profile>\cache2
For the profile folder location see http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Thunderbird
When touch on an e-mail - means that I highlight it
The ... second shows a file opened with WORD - That looks like a PNG attachment. Why doesn't the file extension show .png? and why does it create this file in the first place?
I have relocated my profile under a working DIR so I only have to back up specific DIR's refer to attached image. I've done this for both profiles and one works (i.e doesn't create this file) and one that does create this file
Your cache2 folder is now inside the (relocated) profile. You can move the cache back to the original location using this pref. browser.cache.disk.parent_directory
The pref is a string which expects an absolute path. The target folder needs to exist before, so you may need to create it manually.
and why does it create this file in the first place?
I suppose that's part of the cache functionality.
I've done this for both profiles and one works (i.e doesn't create this file) and one that does create this file
There may still be other differences between the two profiles.
I think I understand tell me more about: "You can move the cache back to the original location using this pref. browser.cache.disk.parent_directory" How exactly does one perform this task?
Open the config editor.
At the top right of the Thunderbird window, click the menu button 
> Options > Advanced > General tab > Config Editor
Paste the pref browser.cache.disk.parent_directory into the search bar. In case it doesn't exist yet, create it as string type. Set the value to the desired path. Make sure the path exists.
Restart Thunderbird. Check the cache2 directory gets created at the desired path. Remove cache2 in the profile folder.
Do I use what you typed above or follow existing format (refer image)? pref browser.cache.disk.parent_directory
vs.
pref.browser.cache.disk.parent_directory Note the addition of the "." after the pref
Also how do I create it as string type?
Suluhisho teule
"Pref" was short for "preference" and you weren't meant to type it. The name you need to enter is
browser.cache.disk.parent_directory
Right-click in the configuration editor and you be shown an option to create a new item. You'll want a string type in this case, and use that string above as its name. The value will be the pathname you were advised to set up manually.