How to Backup Thunderbird Emails on Windows 10 [Latest Tips]

Mozilla Thunderbird is an outstanding email client. Now, how do you go about backing up its data on Windows 10?

In the contemporary world, there are numerous choices for productivity-enhancing email services. Though many people tend to think of Outlook or Gmail, Thunderbird is another undervalued option. Widely utilized by corporations for email communication and collaboration, this program is extensively employed across various organizations.

However, one thing that might perplex users is how to backup Thunderbird emails in Windows 10. Let's delve into understanding what it is, how the process functions, and the steps to secure your data on Windows 10. Without further ado, let's get started.

Introduction

Mozilla Thunderbird is an outstanding email client. It enables users to send and receive emails seamlessly across different platforms. However, utilizing it and backing up the data within it are separate tasks, and not many individuals are aware of how to perform the backup process.

So today, we'll guide you on how to backup Thunderbird emails in Windows 10. However, this entails understanding its basics and necessities. Let's delve deeper and comprehend the fundamentals of Mozilla Thunderbird.

What Is Thunderbird Email for Windows 10?

Mozilla Thunderbird is an email client provided by the Mozilla Corporation. Launched in 2003, the application supports Windows 7 and later versions, as well as Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD. Its compatibility across multiple platforms has made it one of the leading email clients in professional environments.

Built upon an open-source development approach, this tool enables users to send emails across different workplaces, predefined parameters, or networks. Essentially, it functions similarly to other email clients like Microsoft Outlook. However, it has a few distinctive features that set it apart, such as:

• 5-50 GB of mailbox sizes;
• 10 different email aliases;
• 3-7 email group spaces;
• Supports up to 65 languages;
• Better security than usual email clients.

In addition to all these features, it provides high levels of customization, including an immersive built-in calendar. This facilitates better scheduling, enhances communication, and enables effective workload management. Therefore, it is crucial to back up your settings and emails to ensure their safety. Let's delve deeper to learn more about this process.

If you wish to learn more about backing up Outlook, you can refer to this article:

2022 | Top 5 Best Outlook Backup Software for Windows – Free Download

Searching for Outlook backup solutions? This article introduces the top 5 best Outlook backup software that are available for free download in 2022.

Why is it necessary to backup Thunderbird email on Windows 10?

There's a golden rule when it comes to computers and crucial data: if it can be lost, it should be backed up. This principle applies equally to Mozilla Thunderbird emails. Accidents do happen, data loss is a reality, virus attacks are frequent, and not all networks are secure.

These reasons alone should prompt Thunderbird users to regularly back up their data. That way, if a computer crash or virus attack occurs tomorrow, you can easily recover your data from an external device or cloud storage.

Moreover, even with comprehensive data security measures in place, like using Windows Defender or any other third-party software, you remain vulnerable to malware attacks. This underscores the importance of frequently backing up your Thunderbird emails and data on Windows 10.

How to Backup Thunderbird Emails on Windows 10

Now that we understand what Thunderbird is and the significance of backing up its data, let's discuss the methods to achieve this. Although there are numerous ways to back up Thunderbird, we have selected the top three most efficient methods for users to safeguard their emails. Here they are:

1. Method 1. Export Thunderbird Emails
2. Method 2. Copy Thunderbird Profile to Another Location

Method 1: Export Thunderbird Emails

The first approach is also the most time-consuming. It involves either backing up all of our emails or the most crucial ones. To do this, you need to save your emails as individual files. Once you've completed this process, there are several actions you can take with your saved files, such as:

Translate into English:
• Save it to an external device;
• Upload it to a cloud service;
• Save it on another computer.

So, in order to be able to do that, here's what you'll have to do:

Step 1. Open Thunderbird and log in to your account.

Step 2. Select the Inbox or any other subsequent folder that you need to back up.

Step 3. Choose the one or multiple emails that you wish to save.

Step 4. Click on the "&slash; button" to activate the pop-up menu.

Step 5. Choose "Save As" and then click "File".

Step 6. Choose the folder where you want to save your files.

This will assist you in saving your files in the standard email format, allowing you to open them in popular email programs such as Outlook, Gmail, and Thunderbird. Hence, it's crucial to understand how to save Outlook emails to a hard drive. Nevertheless, it's essential to save these files in a secure location and to update them regularly to guarantee the backup of the most recent files whenever necessary.

Method 2: Copy Thunderbird Profile to Another Location

A Thunderbird profile is a file format exclusive to Thunderbird, readable only by the application itself. This file stores all your data, such as login credentials, incoming emails, sent messages, drafts, and more. Therefore, saving this profile file alone can ensure the preservation of your data and create a functional backup.

So, how exactly do you locate this file and save it? Here's a straightforward method:

Step 1. Press "Windows + R" to open the Run command.

Step 2. Type "%appdata%\Thunderbird\Profiles" and press "Enter".

Step 3. Find the folder with the default extension.

Step 4. Copy and paste it into a folder of your choice.

Now, there are various editions of Windows 10, and with the recent release of Windows 11, this procedure might not apply. This is simply because your Profile.ini file might not be saved in the expected location. To locate this file, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open the three-slash menu in Thunderbird.

Step 2. Go to Troubleshooting information.

Step 3. Locate the Profile folder, and click "Open Folder".

This should typically lead you to your Documents/Thunderbird folder. So, once more, locate the Profile.ini file and save it to your preferred location. After that, upload it to a cloud storage service or save it on an external device. However, remember to do this regularly to ensure your backup stays up to date.

Bonus Tip: How to Backup Email with an Email Backup Tool

The third option available to us is to utilize a professional backup tool, which enables us to efficiently save our files. In this scenario, we recommend using Todo Backup Home. This exceptional tool allows you to backup your profile and Inbox, securing them safely on cloud storage in one simple process.

Todo Backup is a handy backup software that offers reliable backup services with 13 years of expertise. It is among the top-rated and cost-effective backup solutions, providing robust data protection with advanced backup features, disk imaging, and instant restoration of all data whenever needed. It also assists in backing up your Thunderbird profile.

This backup software features a straightforward user interface yet boasts impressive capabilities for backing up disks, partitions, operating systems, and files. With the included Todo Backup restore tools, you can safeguard your computer from OS crashes, system failures, and more by storing the OS backup on local drives, NAS, network, or even in the cloud.

Aside from the ability to backup your files, this tool is ideal because it offers:

• It assists in saving email files from Thunderbird, Outlook, etc.
• It provides 250GB of cloud storage.
• It offers secure backup and recovery options.
• It performs comprehensive updates to the backup upon your instruction.

These aspects alone make it well worth your effort. Now, let's explore how it precisely helps you save your Thunderbird emails. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Click the "Select backup contents" button to initiate the backup process.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail. Click on File.

Step 3. Both local and network files will be listed on the left. You can expand the directory to select the files to back up.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions and select the location where you want to save the backup.

Click "Options" to encrypt the backup with a password in "Backup Options", set the backup schedule, and choose to start the backup at a specific event in "Backup Scheme". There are also many other options available for you to explore, allowing you to customize the backup task according to your needs.

Step 5. You can save the backup to a local drive, the tool's cloud service, or a NAS.

Step 6. Todo Backup allows users to back up data to both third-party cloud drives and its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a third-party cloud drive, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add a Cloud Device, then add and log in to your account.

You can also opt for the tool's proprietary cloud drive. Click on 'Tools Cloud,' sign up with your Tools Account, and log in.

Step 7. Click "Backup Now" to initiate the backup process. Once the backup task is completed, it will be displayed as a card on the left side of the panel. Right-click on the backup task to access additional management options.

"Wrap Up" in English can be translated as "Conclusion" or "Final Thoughts", which is typically used to signify a summary or conclusion.

Here are some of the most reliable methods to ensure a comprehensive backup of your Thunderbird emails. We have not only discussed a conventional approach but also introduced you to the best backup tool currently available - Todo Backup Home. Hence, choose the option that best fits your needs and regularly back up your Thunderbird files.

Meta Description:

Thunderbird is a widely-used email client with a global user base. However, backing up and restoring emails can be a daunting task for some users. In this article, we will examine several methods to backup your Thunderbird emails and data on Windows 10.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Backing Up Thunderbird Emails on Windows 10: 1. What is Thunderbird? Thunderbird is a free, open-source email client developed by Mozilla, providing features like email management, newsfeeds, and chat. 2. Why should I back up my Thunderbird emails on Windows 10? Backing up your emails ensures that you have a copy of your important messages in case of data loss, computer crashes, or when migrating to a new system. 3. How do I create a backup of Thunderbird emails? To back up emails, you can export them to an mbox file or use a third-party tool. Here's a manual method: - Open Thunderbird. - Go to "Tools" > "Export". - Select "Messages" and choose a folder to export. - Save the file with an .mbox extension. 4. Can I back up Thunderbird profiles? Yes, you can back up the entire profile folder which contains emails, settings, and other data. Find the profile folder in `%appdata%\Thunderbird\Profiles` and copy it to a safe location. 5. Does Windows 10 have built-in backup options for Thunderbird? Windows 10 doesn't have a native feature specifically for Thunderbird backup. However, you can use the built-in File History or create a System Restore Point to safeguard your files. 6. How often should I back up my Thunderbird emails? It depends on how frequently you receive or send important emails. A good practice is to perform backups at least once a month or after significant events. 7. Can I restore backed-up emails to a new installation of Thunderbird? Yes, when reinstalling Thunderbird, simply copy the backed-up profile folder or import the mbox file to restore your emails. 8. Are there any third-party tools for backing up Thunderbird emails? Yes, various third-party software like BirdTray, MozBackup, and Mail Backup X can automate and simplify the backup process. 9. Will backing up emails affect my online account? No, backing up emails locally does not impact your online account. You'll still have access to your emails through the mail server. 10. Can I back up emails from multiple accounts in Thunderbird at once? Yes, when exporting or backing up the profile, all email accounts configured in Thunderbird will be included in the backup.

God-related inquiries that require answers? Here are four commonly asked ones:

1. How do I backup Thunderbird Emails to an external hard drive? To back up your Thunderbird emails to an external hard drive, follow these steps: 1. **Export Emails using the MozBackup Tool:** - Download and install [MozBackup](https://mozbackup.jasnapaka.com/) on your computer. - Launch MozBackup and select "Create a new backup." - Choose "Thunderbird" as the application. - Select "Next" and then choose the components you want to backup, such as mail, address book, etc. - Browse and select the location of your external hard drive for the backup destination. - Click "Next" and give your backup a name, then click "Finish" to start the backup process. 2. **Manual Backup using IMAP:** - Ensure that your Thunderbird is configured to use IMAP for the email accounts you want to back up. - Connect your external hard drive to your computer. - In Thunderbird, go to "Tools" > "Account Settings." - Navigate to the "Server Settings" of each IMAP account and make note of the incoming server details (IMAP server address and port). - On the external hard drive, create a folder for your email backups. - Use a terminal or command prompt to initiate an `IMAP` sync command to download all emails to the external hard drive. This will typically involve using a command-line tool like `imapsync`. 3. **Manual Backup using Local Folders:** - If you have local folders in Thunderbird, you can copy them directly to the external hard drive. - Close Thunderbird. - Locate the Thunderbird profile folder. On Windows, it's usually in `%appdata%\Thunderbird\Profiles`. On macOS and Linux, it's in your home directory, hidden (.thunderbird). - Identify the specific profile folder for your email account, and within it, find the "Mail" folder containing your local folders. - Copy this "Mail" folder to the desired location on your external hard drive. Remember to keep your external hard drive safe and regularly update your backups to ensure you have the latest emails.

In this article, we discussed two methods that assist you in saving individual emails or the entire profile of your Thunderbird account. After saving these files or the complete profile, you can effortlessly transfer them to an external hard drive. It's recommended to do this regularly to ensure your backup remains up-to-date.

2. Where are my Thunderbird email files stored?

Usually, they're stored at "C:\Users\Username\AppData\Thunderbird". Alternatively, to find it within Thunderbird, open the menu, choose Help > Troubleshooting Information. Then, under "Application Basics," click on "Show Folder." This will directly open the folder where your email files are kept.

3. How do I restore Thunderbird Emails in Windows 10? To restore Thunderbird emails in Windows 10, follow these steps: 1. **Backup your emails**: Before restoring, make sure you have a backup of your emails. You can export them using Thunderbird's built-in feature to an mbox file or as individual PST files. 2. **Exit Thunderbird**: Close the Thunderbird application completely. 3. **Locate your Thunderbird profile folder**: By default, it is located in `%appdata%\Thunderbird\Profiles` within your user directory. You can access it by pressing `Win + E` to open File Explorer, then paste `%appdata%\Thunderbird\Profiles` into the address bar and press Enter. 4. **Identify the correct profile folder**: If you have multiple profiles, look for the one with the `.default` extension or the most recent one. 5. **Create a backup of your current profile**: Just in case anything goes wrong, copy the entire profile folder to another location. 6. **Replace or merge email files**: Now, if you have a backup from a previous date, replace the `inbox.msf`, `sent.msf`, `drafts.msf`, `outbox.msf`, and `junk.msf` files in the `ImapMail` or `Local Folders` folder (depending on whether you use IMAP or POP) with the corresponding backup files. Be cautious, as this will overwrite any new emails since the backup was created. If you're merging emails, move the email folders (e.g., `INBOX`, `Sent`, `Drafts`, `Outbox`, `Junk`) from the backup into the corresponding folders in your current profile. This will add the old emails to your existing ones. 7. **Restore attachments**: Attachments are stored within the email messages themselves, so they should be restored along with the emails. However, if you had saved attachments separately, you'll need to manually copy them back to their original locations. 8. **Restart Thunderbird**: Open Thunderbird, and your emails should now be restored. Remember that this process assumes you have a backup of your emails. If you don't, you may not be able to recover lost emails. It's always a good practice to regularly backup your important data.

You can copy and paste the files into the same Appdata folder from where they were copied. Alternatively, you can import the email files directly within Thunderbird. However, for a seamless recovery/restore process, we recommend using a tool like Todo Backup Home.

4. What is the simplest method to backup Thunderbird emails?

Using a tool like Todo Backup Home. All other methods are effective, but they can be time-consuming and potentially problematic for beginner users. Hence, employing a reliable tool such as Todo Backup can significantly simplify the process.