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When I start Thunderbird, it says can't filter messages to certain mailboxes.

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  • Last reply by Matt

BillTreloar
BillTreloar
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When I start Thunderbird, it immediately checks to download new messages. Almost always it will stop in the middle and tell me that it can't filter messages to a certain mailbox (I forget what it says the reason is). But if I'm quick enough to click on that mailbox so the contents display before the download of waiting messages finishes,, Thunderbird is quite happy to filter messages to it. This happens most with my Junk mailbox, but also with others.

If the list of mailboxes on the left doesn't display a content count, this error happens. Once I click on the mailbox, the content count appears and from then on Thunderbird has no problem filtering to it.

This only happens immediately upon starting Thunderbird, but it does happen almost every time. Is there any way to stop this?

When I start Thunderbird, it immediately checks to download new messages. Almost always it will stop in the middle and tell me that it can't filter messages to a certain mailbox (I forget what it says the reason is). But if I'm quick enough to click on that mailbox so the contents display before the download of waiting messages finishes,, Thunderbird is quite happy to filter messages to it. This happens most with my Junk mailbox, but also with others. If the list of mailboxes on the left doesn't display a content count, this error happens. Once I click on the mailbox, the content count appears and from then on Thunderbird has no problem filtering to it. This only happens immediately upon starting Thunderbird, but it does happen almost every time. Is there any way to stop this?

All Replies (1)

Matt
Matt
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The usual cause is the folder being locked, either by an anti virus program hell bent on scanning every file change, or by an add-on or excessive filters

To diagnose problems with Thunderbird, try one of the following:

  • Restart Thunderbird with add-ons disabled (Thunderbird Safe Mode). On the Help menu, click on "Restart with Add-ons Disabled". If Thunderbird works like normal, there is an Add-on or Theme interfering with normal operations. You will need to re-enable add-ons one at a time until you locate the offender.
  • Restart the operating system in safe mode with Networking. This loads only the very basics needed to start your computer while enabling an Internet connection. Click on your operating system for instructions on how to start in safe mode: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, OSX
If safe mode for the operating system fixes the issue, there's other software in your computer that's causing problems. Possibilities include but not limited to: AV scanning, virus/malware, background downloads such as program updates.