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It seems that every time I start Thunderbird it has to download all the emails from the server?

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  • Last reply by Rob

Rob
Rob
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I've created a number of folders and subfolders in my gmail to keep categories of emails separate. It seems that Thunderbird goes through this process of downloading all the messages every time I open the program. Several of the folders labels are colored blue, while others are black, it seems that the folders that are blue are going through a download process of the messages.

Isn't there a local copy of the emails so Thunderbird only has to update changes to the folders or emails, rather than copy them all over every time I start up? I'm hoping I don't have to wait for this long process taking up bandwidth and processing resources on my cpu every time?

Note, I just installed Thunderbird a couple days ago, so maybe it is still bringing everything up to a current state and won't have to worry about this once everything has been completed?

Thanks in advance for all of your help.

I've created a number of folders and subfolders in my gmail to keep categories of emails separate. It seems that Thunderbird goes through this process of downloading all the messages every time I open the program. Several of the folders labels are colored blue, while others are black, it seems that the folders that are blue are going through a download process of the messages. Isn't there a local copy of the emails so Thunderbird only has to update changes to the folders or emails, rather than copy them all over every time I start up? I'm hoping I don't have to wait for this long process taking up bandwidth and processing resources on my cpu every time? Note, I just installed Thunderbird a couple days ago, so maybe it is still bringing everything up to a current state and won't have to worry about this once everything has been completed? Thanks in advance for all of your help.

Chosen solution

I would say the initial synchronization is not yet complete. With an anti virus scanning mail it can be painfully slow. Especially if the anti virus just dies after X mails.

Blue indicates the folder contains messages you have not "seen" that is you have not clicked on the folder since they were downloaded. This state is lost if you close Thunderbird. It is just a visual cue as to where new mail settled when it arrived. You got the new mail notice, but this is to save time hunting for it. Just as bold indicates a folder with unread mail

If you open the activity manager. (alt+T > Activity manager) you should be able to see what is happening with regard to. downloading indexing etc.

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Matt
Matt
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Chosen Solution

I would say the initial synchronization is not yet complete. With an anti virus scanning mail it can be painfully slow. Especially if the anti virus just dies after X mails.

Blue indicates the folder contains messages you have not "seen" that is you have not clicked on the folder since they were downloaded. This state is lost if you close Thunderbird. It is just a visual cue as to where new mail settled when it arrived. You got the new mail notice, but this is to save time hunting for it. Just as bold indicates a folder with unread mail

If you open the activity manager. (alt+T > Activity manager) you should be able to see what is happening with regard to. downloading indexing etc.

Rob
Rob Question owner
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Matt, thanks for taking the time to answer. I found it incredibly helpful. The anti-virus part makes total sense. And with regards to the color codes, it's all coming together for me now! You're the best! Thanks a million.