Arch Linux

slackcub

Member

Registered: 2009-03-14

Posts: 144

Clear Thunderbird cache of stored messages and re-download

So, I was "smart" and accidentally deleted a whole bunch of emails from a folder in Thunderbird.  Thankfully I was able to kill Thunderbird before it synced and deleted everything on the server, but now I'm in a bind.  I need a way to force Thunderbird to re-download/re-sync all my folders from the server. I have no problem deleting files from my profile directory, I'm just not sure which files/directories should be deleted without destroying other things, like filters.  This is on an IMAP server, so all the files are in the ImapMail directory.

    Is there anyone out there that has experience with this and can help me out with getting back to a normal state?

dockland

Member

From: Sweden

Registered: 2015-06-06

Posts: 861

Re: Clear Thunderbird cache of stored messages and re-download

So, I was "smart" and accidentally deleted a whole bunch of emails from a folder in Thunderbird.  Thankfully I was able to kill Thunderbird before it synced and deleted everything on the server, but now I'm in a bind.  I need a way to force Thunderbird to re-download/re-sync all my folders from the server. I have no problem deleting files from my profile directory, I'm just not sure which files/directories should be deleted without destroying other things, like filters.  This is on an IMAP server, so all the files are in the ImapMail directory.

    Is there anyone out there that has experience with this and can help me out with getting back to a normal state?

I think the easiest way is to uninstall TB and then reinstall it, downloading all your stuff again.

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I possess a device, in my pocket, that is capable of accessing the entirety of information known to man.
I use it to look at funny pictures of cats and to argue with strangers.

slackcub

Member

Registered: 2009-03-14

Posts: 144

Re: Clear Thunderbird cache of stored messages and re-download

I think the easiest way is to uninstall TB and then reinstall it, downloading all your stuff again.

But what if I don't want to lose my Filters, installed plugins, or anything like that?   Would that delete those as well?

dockland

Member

From: Sweden

Registered: 2015-06-06

Posts: 861

Re: Clear Thunderbird cache of stored messages and re-download

I think the easiest way is to uninstall TB and then reinstall it, downloading all your stuff again.

But what if I don't want to lose my Filters, installed plugins, or anything like that?   Would that delete those as well?

I think so. But perhaps you can export your settings some way. I don't use any email-client at all myself. But google it.

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I possess a device, in my pocket, that is capable of accessing the entirety of information known to man.
I use it to look at funny pictures of cats and to argue with strangers.

drcouzelis

Member

From: Connecticut, USA

Registered: 2009-11-09

Posts: 4,092

Website

Re: Clear Thunderbird cache of stored messages and re-download

Reinstalling Thunderbird won't make a difference because you'll still be using the same configuration files found in your home directory.

I'm a little confused by your situation. Are you concerned that Thunderbird will sync and delete your emails on the server the next time you start it? If that's the case, then the best thing would be to just delete (or move) your "~/.thunderbird" directory and start fresh. Yes, you will have to reconfigure any filters and plugins, but you won't lose any emails.

Last edited by drcouzelis (2015-06-24 19:15:42)

progandy

Member

Registered: 2012-05-17

Posts: 5,322

Re: Clear Thunderbird cache of stored messages and re-download

If you want to keep some of your settings, I suggest you download TEBE (in a webbrowser, not thunderbird), disconnect from the internet, install and use TEBE (old, but may still work) to export your settings, then delete your profile (maybe backup?) and create a new one. Now install TEBE and import your settings, then reconnect.
http://www.customsoftwareconsult.com/fo … =12&t=2957

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slackcub

Member

Registered: 2009-03-14

Posts: 144

Re: Clear Thunderbird cache of stored messages and re-download

Thanks for the info everyone.  I remembered that I have a backup from this morning of my profile directory.  Later tonight I'll be restoring that backup, and hopefully that'll put everything back to a point where I was in a stable state.

I really do want to keep all my settings.  If restoring the backup doesn't work, I'll have to give TEBE a shot.

rlees85

Member

From: Daventry, UK

Registered: 2015-04-29

Posts: 98

Website

Re: Clear Thunderbird cache of stored messages and re-download

This should work, keeping your settings and forcing a re-download from the server (assuming your using IMAP!)

rm -rf .thunderbird/<your profile folder it can be anything>/ImapMail

Personally, if it was me, I would just bin the .thunderbird folder and re-do my settings for the 10 minutes it would take