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

Worried the new version of Thunderbird, if installed, will mean the loss of saved email and contacts

  • 1 reply
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Wayne Mery

more options

Dear Fellow Thunderbird Users,

A few days back, Thunderbird urged me to update the version in use. I attempted to do so but received a message that said "Thunderbird can't update to the latest version. Download a fresh copy of Thunderbird and we'll help you to install it."

I downloaded the new new version but hesitated to install it. Here's why: I've kept every email sent and received (with the exception of spam) since I began personal computing in 1995. Thunderbird became my email client of choice quite a few years ago and all email that passed in and out of Thunderbird is saved.

I fear installing the new version of Thunderbird may cause me to lose years of saved email and my collection of addresses/contacts. (I'm always exporting my addresses as a way of backing them up.)

My question; Will the new version of Thunderbird automatically retain the email files and email addresses from the version presently in use?

Any guidance is most appreciated.

Sincerely, JimInKentucky [email protected]

Dear Fellow Thunderbird Users, A few days back, Thunderbird urged me to update the version in use. I attempted to do so but received a message that said "Thunderbird can't update to the latest version. Download a fresh copy of Thunderbird and we'll help you to install it." I downloaded the new new version but hesitated to install it. Here's why: I've kept every email sent and received (with the exception of spam) since I began personal computing in 1995. Thunderbird became my email client of choice quite a few years ago and all email that passed in and out of Thunderbird is saved. I fear installing the new version of Thunderbird may cause me to lose years of saved email and my collection of addresses/contacts. (I'm always exporting my addresses as a way of backing them up.) My question; Will the new version of Thunderbird automatically retain the email files and email addresses from the version presently in use? Any guidance is most appreciated. Sincerely, JimInKentucky [email protected]

All Replies (1)

more options

Step 1 https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profiles-where-thunderbird-stores-user-data#w_backing-up-a-profile dis describes how to backup your profile. Do this first.

Then do the install as suggested