Thunderbird auto-upgraded to new version today (32.x.x).

TB 32 is a beta, not an official release. Unless you're on the beta update channel, you wouldn't see TB 32 at all.

I tried & failed to restore a MozBackup file that was created while running the Thunderbird version (31.1.2) .

The TB version shouldn't matter here. What exactly does 'tried & failed' mean?

I ran MozBackup Restore and while this went to End of Job with no errors

What was different compared to 'tried & failed'?

I cannot see my older e-mails and local folders.

I do have ... a profile that appears to hold the local folders, etc, I need.

These two statements seem to contradict one another. Can you elaborate?

each time I start Thunderbird, I am prompted to set up an new e-mail account.

Help (Alt-H) - Troubleshooting Information - Profile Folder - Open Folder What is the profile folder?

What is the name of the profile you were trying to restore?

Yesterday, on starting TB, got msg that a new version was available to install. I did so. I am an unsophisticated user so not sure how I ended up beta version but I do know TB 32 was the version I saw in "ABOUT TB"

I then ran a MoZBP Restore, selecting the .pcv file I had saved a day earlier when on TB 31.1.2.. Restore failed with msg the .pcv file was corrupt.

Thinking it was version mismatch, I re-installed TB 31.1.2. then re-ran MZBP Restore. It executed successfully with no errors. However, when I started TB, it took me through a new account start-up rather than display the existing e-mail and local folders I expected.

Following online documentation, I found a profile t83zcv5s.default. When I explore it I can see the names of my local folders.

What is the name of the profile you were trying to restore? Thunderbird 24.6.0 (en-GB) - 2014-09-26.pcv is the MZBP file

Trust this more helpful

The mysterious nature of a computer. I again followed the new account process this morning only to find all my mail folders in place. Didn't even have to do a MozBackup restore. My apologies for wasting your valuable time. I really do appreciate your having responded.. It is a source of comfort knowing there are many experts out there in times of need willing to sharae their expertise. My learning lesson is ensure I check what is trying to auto install before doing so!! Thanks again

Good to hear your problem has been fixed. Can you mark this thread as 'Solved' please? Thank you.