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Thunderbird Copy-move from new version to old version abook and accounts

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  • Last reply by JoeGons

JoeGons
JoeGons
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Hi, I use Thunderbird Portable on Flash Drives. I have Thunderbird Portable v 78,12,0 (32-bit) that I use with Windows 10 laptops when I travel. I also have Thunderbird Portable v 52.6.0 (32-bit) that I keep for emergencies that runs on an old Acer Travelmate 2480 with XP.

Thunderbird Portable v 78,12,0 (32-bit) will not run on the Acer with XP.

I have added several new Mail Accounts to the Thunderbird Portable v 78,12,0 (32-bit). I need to update the mail accounts on the Thunderbird Portable v 52.6.0 (32-bit). My Desktop is broken. I also need to update the mail accounts on my Windows 10 laptop that I am using that has an old version of Thunderbird installed.

I am able to copy the “Mail” folder to update the messages with no problem.

Copying the Mail Folder does not update the Mail Accounts nor the Address Book. (Contacts)

I am thinking that if I copy the entire profile folder, I might be able to get what I want. However, I notice that the “abook” extension is not the same and I wonder what else is not the same and if it will break the v 52.6.0. (abook, histort and impab)

Is there an easy way to do what I want?

Hi, I use Thunderbird Portable on Flash Drives. I have Thunderbird Portable v 78,12,0 (32-bit) that I use with Windows 10 laptops when I travel. I also have Thunderbird Portable v 52.6.0 (32-bit) that I keep for emergencies that runs on an old Acer Travelmate 2480 with XP. Thunderbird Portable v 78,12,0 (32-bit) will not run on the Acer with XP. I have added several new Mail Accounts to the Thunderbird Portable v 78,12,0 (32-bit). I need to update the mail accounts on the Thunderbird Portable v 52.6.0 (32-bit). My Desktop is broken. I also need to update the mail accounts on my Windows 10 laptop that I am using that has an old version of Thunderbird installed. I am able to copy the “Mail” folder to update the messages with no problem. Copying the Mail Folder does not update the Mail Accounts nor the Address Book. (Contacts) I am thinking that if I copy the entire profile folder, I might be able to get what I want. However, I notice that the “abook” extension is not the same and I wonder what else is not the same and if it will break the v 52.6.0. (abook, histort and impab) Is there an easy way to do what I want?

All Replies (4)

Matt
Matt
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V78 ended backward compatibility of profiles with it's changes to the address book format. Version 91 comes with a "there is no going back" disclaimer. SO I suggest you update the software on your XP device to windows 10 which I understand can still be obtained for free and stick to using a single version of Thunderbird. Preferably the current release as otherwise you will be haunted with update requests.

JoeGons
JoeGons Question owner
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Thanks Matt for your insight. The Acer Travelmate 2480 is too old to handle Windows 10. It might handle Windows 7 but that really does not help me. I have some old programs that I don't want to reinstall. I don't use it on a regular basis. Is there a way to convert abook.sqlite to abook.mab? The export/import is tedious.

Matt
Matt
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JoeGons said
Thanks Matt for your insight. Is there a way to convert abook.sqlite to abook.mab?

No I am not aware of anything specific.

JoeGons
JoeGons Question owner
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Thanks Matt. I'll have to do it the hard way. Question: When importing addresses into the Address book, is there a way to avoid duplicates?