How to Back Up Email Files in Mozilla Thunderbird

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This wikiHow teaches you how to create a backup folder for your Mozilla Thunderbird emails.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Installing ImportExportTools

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  1. Click or double-click the Thunderbird app icon, which resembles a bluebird hovering over a white envelope.
  2. It's in the top-right corner of the window. A drop-down menu will appear.
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  3. This is in the drop-down menu. Selecting it prompts a pop-out menu.
  4. It's in the pop-out menu. Doing so opens the "Add-ons Manager" tab.
  5. Click the search bar in the upper-right side of the window, then type in importexporttools and press ↵ Enter .
  6. It's to the right of the "ImportExportTools" heading.
  7. This will prompt the ImportExportTools add-on to begin installing to Thunderbird.
  8. It's at the top of the window. Thunderbird will close and then re-open; at this point, you can proceed with exporting your email messages.
    • If Thunderbird restarts in Safe Mode, click Exit when prompted, and then re-open Thunderbird before continuing.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Exporting Email Messages

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  1. In the upper-left side of the Thunderbird window, look for the email address that you want to use, then find the "Inbox" folder below the email address.
  2. Doing so prompts a drop-down menu.
    • On a Mac, hold down Control while clicking the inbox.
  3. This is in the drop-down menu. A pop-out menu will appear.
  4. It's near the top of the pop-out menu. Doing so brings up a list of possible export file formats.
  5. Click the type of file you want to use to back up the emails. Depending on your intent for the emails, you'll most likely want to do one of the following:
    • If you want to be able to import your backup to Thunderbird on another computer, select the EML format option.
    • If you want to be able to read your emails with their original formatting and attachments, click HTML format (with attachments) and then click OK when prompted.
  6. Click the folder in which you want to store your backup folder.
    • For example, to save the backup folder on your desktop, you would click Desktop on the left side of the window here.
    • On a Mac, you may have to click the "Where" drop-down box before you can select a folder.
  7. It's in the lower-right side of the window. Doing so will confirm your selected folder and back up your emails to it. Once the backup is complete, you'll be able to see them by opening the folder, opening the backup folder, and double-clicking the email(s) you want to view.
    • On a Mac, click Choose here.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Backing up a Profile

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  1. Your Thunderbird profile (e.g., the email account you use) stores your account settings, inbox index, and more. If you want to be able to restore your profile in the event of a Thunderbird crash, you'll need to back up the profile folder.
  2. Click or double-click the Thunderbird app icon, which resembles a blue bird hovering over a white envelope.
  3. It's in the top-right corner of the Thunderbird inbox window. A drop-down menu will appear.
  4. You'll find this in the drop-down menu. Selecting it opens a pop-out menu.
  5. It's in the pop-out menu. This opens a new tab.
  6. It's to the right of the "Profile Folder" heading.
  7. You'll find this at the top of the File Explorer window.
    • Skip this step on a Mac—the "Profiles" folder should be open on the left side of the Finder.
  8. Click once the folder that you want to copy, then press either Ctrl + C (Windows) or ⌘ Command + C (Mac).
    • If there are multiple folders here, click one, press Ctrl + A (Windows) or ⌘ Command + A (Mac), and then copy the folders.
  9. Thunderbird must be shut down in order for you to copy the file.
  10. Go to the location in which you want to store your profile backup (e.g., an external hard drive), click a blank space in the window, and press Ctrl + V or ⌘ Command + V to paste in the profile folder.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I transfer a profile to a new download of Thunderbird?
    Community Answer
    I use MozBackup. Search Google for it. It will back up both Thunderbird and Firefox, as well as some others.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 14
  • Question
    How do I restore Thunderbird emails?
    Community Answer
    Copy the profile folder onto the new installation of Thunderbird. Follow the same steps, but instead of copying and placing it somewhere else, place the copy you have in the same folder (remember to close the Thunderbird to do this).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 8
  • Question
    How do I reinstall data?
    Community Answer
    Uninstall the data from the settings page, it should be under the security-tab. Then, install the data again from the main settings page.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Reader Success Stories

      • Scott Rosenthal

        May 27, 2017

        "Quick and easy (for a non-techie) directions. Hopefully I will never need to restore, but good to know I can if I ..." more
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