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Print Preview is no longer on Thunderbird

  • 8 replies
  • 4 have this problem
  • 16 views
  • Last reply by Tom Toohey

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I use Print Preview to scan suspect incoming TB messages prior to opening the email. Print Preview is no longer shown as an option on TB.

Can I install Print Preview?

I use Print Preview to scan suspect incoming TB messages prior to opening the email. Print Preview is no longer shown as an option on TB. Can I install Print Preview?

Chosen solution

It's a common misconception that TB provides a 'preview'. There is no such thing: a message is either opened or not. Scripts are not executed by default, and remote content is blocked if it's set that way in Privacy & Security settings. If the Message Pane is closed, messages can be selected and deleted or moved, without being opened.

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The preview is shown when File/Print... is selected.

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I must not have make myself clear. Previously, if there was a message showing, but I did not know if the message was a scam or spam, I could simply use "print preview".

The message would remain marked as NOT READ; I could preview the message to verify whether or not the message was something I wanted to see, and then decide whether to Delete or Print. Until that point the message had never been opened. Also, the message remained as UNREAD.

That is safety for us, the users of TB.

Now, there is no method for viewing the message without hitting PRINT. Then it's too late for us, your customer, to decide whether or not to open the message.

Your have taken away a wonderful safety feature for those of us who want to be certain an email we are opening is suitable to be opened.

Anytime PRINT is selected the message is automatically opened - unless there is a feature about which I am unaware.

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Chosen Solution

It's a common misconception that TB provides a 'preview'. There is no such thing: a message is either opened or not. Scripts are not executed by default, and remote content is blocked if it's set that way in Privacy & Security settings. If the Message Pane is closed, messages can be selected and deleted or moved, without being opened.

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Thank you Rons1 this is a SERIOUS problem and this feature has been one of the reasons that I have always used Thunderbird rather than web-based email readers because I could scan the email as an image file rather than open the email and expose my system to unwanted content

Now it appears that we do not have this choice... very bad idea Mozilla, this has been one of the best features of Thunderbird and I could use it this morning, but without warning it has been removed this afternoon with the installation of 91

Please Please Please re-enable this feature ... it has saved my bacon several times with phishing scams that were almost invisible until I could see the image and associated header info prior to opening

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Yes indeed. A very bad idea removing this feature. In order to speak frankly, Print Preview was one of the Point Forts of Mozilla Thunderbird among other e mail clients. In a heavy moment of Phising, Spam, cyberattacks..., who has had the brilliant idea to remove this safe tool?. It seems to make easier the way for attackers... Sincerely I think it's merely a mistake and very soon it'll be replaced again. Thanks. Info: New version 91.3.2 (64-bit), has lost this extra safety

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The print preview function is an automatic part of my printing routine. If it isn't there, I don't know how much of the message I need to print.

I see absolutely no reason to remove it - several authors have mentioned the "new' print preview feature - I get no such preview (see image) - simply a choice of printers - greatly reduced and, in fact, the pdf printers are also removed!

These are features I cannot and will not continue to tolerate. If they are not returned quickly, I will be forced to look for another e-mail client - and after over 20 years of praising Thunderbird to the heavens, to leave it will be tough!!

Come on folks - this is a function a great many loyal users need - PUT IT BACK IN - PLEASE!!

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I am in 100% agreement with this thread. I didn't know how to lodge my comment until just now. Yes. I can safely preview my message w/o marking it 'Read'.

Like the rest of you, I've seen this as a real plus and I guess if anyone finds out who IS providing this I suggest you post it here so we can all leave en-masse if they aren't going to accede to our simple request. I'm pretty sure it doesn't take too much code to put it back.

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I just typed this into a search engine: email preview tool.

I see 7 offerings right off the top.

Let's let the market decide whether or not we stay with Thunderbird.

Sure would be nice if they came back on and said, yeah. We put it back. Okay?

Yeah. That would be great before we migrate out.

I'm sure there are a lot more folks who think like we are who we are also speaking for right now.

Keeping us would be so simple.