Is there a way to apply the settings for one folder to all others, or to change the default settings for each (existing) folder?

For existing folders. No.

You can set the defaults for new folders, which leaves me wondering if you delete the MSF file which stores that information in each folder. If when the program automatically replaces the file if the changed default will be used. I would guess it would.

Try changing the default for threading.https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/message-threading-thunderbird# Delete the MSF file for a single folder by asking the system to "repair" it by right clicking, selecting properties and then the repair button. Sort of proof of concept.

thunderbirds_are_go said

Is there a way to apply the settings for one folder to all others, or to change the default settings for each (existing) folder?

For existing folders. No.

You can set the defaults for new folders, which leaves me wondering if you delete the MSF file which stores that information in each folder. If when the program automatically replaces the file if the changed default will be used. I would guess it would.

Try changing the default for threading.https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/message-threading-thunderbird# Delete the MSF file for a single folder by asking the system to "repair" it by right clicking, selecting properties and then the repair button. Sort of proof of concept.

Thanks for your reply and for confirming the situation for existing folders. That sounds like an idea. However, I would still have to delete the MSF file for each folder and sub-folder (how do I do that by the way?), which still sounds like a lot of manual effort.

If the repair actually works, deleting the files is as simple as searching for *.msf file in the windows file explorer and deleting everything that returns. But just be sure to do it with Thunderbird not running as that could be a disaster of corrupted databases and failed deletions as the files are open.

You will probably have to set file explorer to show hidden items before hand see https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/view-hidden-files-and-folders-in-windows-97fbc472-c603-9d90-91d0-1166d1d9f4b5

If the repair actually works, deleting the files is as simple as searching for *.msf file in the windows file explorer and deleting everything that returns. But just be sure to do it with Thunderbird not running as that could be a disaster of corrupted databases and failed deletions as the files are open. You will probably have to set file explorer to show hidden items before hand see https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/view-hidden-files-and-folders-in-windows-97fbc472-c603-9d90-91d0-1166d1d9f4b5

Thanks for your further reply. Upon reconsidering, I am not especially keen to delete these files lest I cause damage elsewhere, even with TB closed. Thanks for the idea though.

I think I would prefer a native TB solution where the current view and its settings can be applied to all folders, just like in Table View (i.e., by right-clicking on a column header in Table View, one can conveniently select 'Apply columns to...' and 'Apply current view to...' from the context menu that appears). So I will use Table View for now and hope that one day similar functionality is built for Cards View.

I think I would prefer a native TB solution where the current view and its settings can be applied to all folders,

So would I, but they appear to be fixated in development with form over function. First if was supernova, now it is Nebula and Thunderbird for Android. But basic issues just don;t appear to get any traction at all, like trying to change your username and mail server in account settings without multiple restarts lie many outlook/hotmail users are current experiencing. Or importing your profile and actually having your passwords arrive intact.

thunderbirds_are_go said

I think I would prefer a native TB solution where the current view and its settings can be applied to all folders,

So would I, but they appear to be fixated in development with form over function. First if was supernova, now it is Nebula and Thunderbird for Android. But basic issues just don;t appear to get any traction at all, like trying to change your username and mail server in account settings without multiple restarts lie many outlook/hotmail users are current experiencing. Or importing your profile and actually having your passwords arrive intact.

lol seems there are a few other question threads to come out of this one! Thanks for your prompt replies nonetheless.