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Error msg when I compact: The folder 'Inbox' could not be compacted because writing to folder failed. Verify you have enough disk space, and have write privileg

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  • Last reply by Matt

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I recently had my computer serviced. I re-downloaded Thunderbird (getting a newer version), and retrieved my saved email. Now, Thunderbird keeps asking me to compact, but when I do, I get this error message: The folder 'Inbox' could not be compacted because writing to folder failed. Verify that you have enough disk space, and that you have write privileges to the file system, then try again.

Obviously, since I'm getting mail all the time, I have write privileges, and disk space. The question is whether there's a setting I need to specify, or whether Thunderbird is writing to a special partition that may have gotten write-protected when my computer was in the hospital - or whether this is related to a known bug.

All help appreciated.

I recently had my computer serviced. I re-downloaded Thunderbird (getting a newer version), and retrieved my saved email. Now, Thunderbird keeps asking me to compact, but when I do, I get this error message: The folder 'Inbox' could not be compacted because writing to folder failed. Verify that you have enough disk space, and that you have write privileges to the file system, then try again. Obviously, since I'm getting mail all the time, I have write privileges, and disk space. The question is whether there's a setting I need to specify, or whether Thunderbird is writing to a special partition that may have gotten write-protected when my computer was in the hospital - or whether this is related to a known bug. All help appreciated.

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The only know bug I can see is probably your anti virus is trying to scan the file when the new inbox is created leaving Thunderbird to think the file was not created.

As an experimental / diagnostic process. Restart the machine in safe mode with networking using Microsoft instructions for Windows 7 then try the compact. If it works I was most likely right. If it does not, another idea must surface.