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Thunderbird won't compact folder

  • 4 replies
  • 0 have this problem
  • Last reply by gassajl

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I recently started to receive this error message: The folder 'Inbox on [email protected]' 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." I have over 300 GB free disk space and full control of the file system. How can I make compacting folders work again?

I recently started to receive this error message: The folder 'Inbox on [email protected]' 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." I have over 300 GB free disk space and full control of the file system. How can I make compacting folders work again?

All Replies (4)

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Although rare, I have occasionally seen instances where a folder was marked read-only. I suggest checking that in windows file explorer. That may not be it, but worth a check.

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My inbox folder has the "Read Only" box blacked out (as opposed to check mark) which is apparently normal and I don't have the ability to change.

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"blacked out' doesn't seem to be normal. If this is an IMAP account, you could delete the folder and its msf file and restart thunderbird, which would repopulate the folder.

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It turns out, all of my folders, including ones I have created, show the blacked out square for Attributes>"Read Only (Only applies to files in folder)" The files in the folder are not necessarily read only so it is confusing. If I change this setting in Properties and click "Apply" it will revert back to the blacked out square next time I visit the folder. This is why I think it is a common thing across the Win10 platform. My email account is a pop.Mail account.

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