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Can't copy TB profile- some "cache" file is locked.

  • 3 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 10 views
  • Last reply by JB57

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I'm running TB 38.4.0 on Ubuntu 12.04.

Today, when started TB opens but I can do nothing- can't click on any folders, or files or tools. (no, there's nothing wrong with the mouse).

But, if I start TB in Terminal (sudo TB) all TB runs perfectly.

That said. I tried to copy my entire profile folder for backup reasons and a certain folder "Cache.Trash99983627" will not copy over so the copying process ends with no backup at all.

I checked the folder Cache.Trash99983627 and it's a "locked" file. I changed the permissions on the file still can't copy over the folder because the files inside of are also locked. Yes, I modified the permissions on them too but no copying success.

How can I fix this?

I'm running TB 38.4.0 on Ubuntu 12.04. Today, when started TB opens but I can do nothing- can't click on any folders, or files or tools. (no, there's nothing wrong with the mouse). But, if I start TB in Terminal (sudo TB) all TB runs perfectly. That said. I tried to copy my entire profile folder for backup reasons and a certain folder "Cache.Trash99983627" will not copy over so the copying process ends with no backup at all. I checked the folder Cache.Trash99983627 and it's a "locked" file. I changed the permissions on the file still can't copy over the folder because the files inside of are also locked. Yes, I modified the permissions on them too but no copying success. How can I fix this?

Chosen solution

Lightning removed has no effect.

As to the copying profile problem. It is solved by (in Linux) Terminal....gksudo nautilus.

While in Nautilus I can copy the profile with no trouble.

As to not being able to do anything with Thunderbird once it has loaded the solution was to start Thunderbird in Terminal using sudo Thunderbird (that's starting thunderbird in root).

For whatever reason that fixes the "tb wont do anything when it has loaded".

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All Replies (3)

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What is the name of the profile folder you copied, and what is the full path?

What is the full path to folder "Cache.Trash99983627"?

Did you close Thunderbird prior to copying the profile?

I checked the folder Cache.Trash99983627 and it's a "locked" file.

How did you determine it's 'locked'?

I changed the permissions on the file

If this is a folder in your Thunderbird profile you created underneath your home directory, what permissions needed to be changed, and to what?

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I think the cache issue is a red herring.

Can you see mail if you start Thunderbird in safe mode? https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/safe-mode

If you can, - go to tools | addons - remove the lightning addon - restart - start thunderbird - if you need the lightning addon, add it back at tools | addons

Does that help?

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Chosen Solution

Lightning removed has no effect.

As to the copying profile problem. It is solved by (in Linux) Terminal....gksudo nautilus.

While in Nautilus I can copy the profile with no trouble.

As to not being able to do anything with Thunderbird once it has loaded the solution was to start Thunderbird in Terminal using sudo Thunderbird (that's starting thunderbird in root).

For whatever reason that fixes the "tb wont do anything when it has loaded".

Modified by JB57