Where did you install Firefox from? Help Mozilla uncover 3rd party websites that offer problematic Firefox installation by taking part in our campaign. There will be swag, and you'll be featured in our blog if you manage to report at least 10 valid reports!

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

can't recover saved emails from old profile

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

more options

I had to re-install windows 10 on my machine and I took and copied my entire profile to a portable hard drive. After the re-install I was able to set the profile up again and under my local folders I can see the saved folder and it lists off all my saved emails but when I click on any of them they show up as completely blank.

I went in and checked the roaming folder and when I opened both the Saved.msf and Saved (non-extention) files, I could see the messages there but I have had no luck and getting the emails to be viewable. All I can get is blank messages.

I had to re-install windows 10 on my machine and I took and copied my entire profile to a portable hard drive. After the re-install I was able to set the profile up again and under my local folders I can see the saved folder and it lists off all my saved emails but when I click on any of them they show up as completely blank. I went in and checked the roaming folder and when I opened both the Saved.msf and Saved (non-extention) files, I could see the messages there but I have had no luck and getting the emails to be viewable. All I can get is blank messages.

All Replies (4)

more options

I've no idea why this is happening, I suspect it might be something to do with the folder index but I don't really understand it. However I suggest that you try the add-on ImportExportTools. I've never used it myself but I've seen it recommended in this forum and some users have reported that it's good. It may allow you to import the old emails into your new installation.

more options

re :I went in and checked the roaming folder and when I opened both the Saved.msf and Saved (non-extention) files, I could see the messages there

The indexing file (Saved.msf) could be out of synch. Deleting the 'Saved.msf' file will force a new one to be created. This must be done with Thunderbird closed. When you restart TB, it generates a new one.

Did that work?

more options

That didn't work, now I don't see any messages in my saved folder on thunderbird.

more options

If emails are in the 'Saved' file (no extension) as you indicated in a previous comment, then reindexing should have picked them up, but it would not pick them up if you had not closed TB first.

so please recheck you did the process correctly.

In Thunderbird

  • Help > Troubleshooting Information
  • click on 'Show Folder' button

a new window appears showing contents of profile folder name.

  • Close thunderbird now - this is important.
  • click on 'Mail' folder
  • click on 'Local Folders'
  • delete Saved.msf indexing file.
  • close window - top right X
  • Start Thunderbird.