Thunderbird often asks to download a fresh copy


asturias7

asturias7

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Hello folks,
for those of you who use Thunderbird email client, I have a concern that has been bugging me for the past couple of updates.

Every once in a while, either when I open Thunderbird or reading my emails, a popup appears which says something like, “Update failed, install a fresh copy of Thunderbird”. This happens even though I have the latest update. I also went as far as uninstalling Thunderbird, making sure everything was cleared out/deleted, and I mean everything (!), and reinstalling the latest version.
Is there any way to make this popup no longer appear?
 

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asturias7 said:
Hello folks,
for those of you who use Thunderbird email client, I have a concern that has been bugging me for the past couple of updates.

Every once in a while, either when I open Thunderbird or reading my emails, a popup appears which says something like, “Update failed, install a fresh copy of Thunderbird”. This happens even though I have the latest update. I also went as far as uninstalling Thunderbird, making sure everything was cleared out/deleted, and I mean everything (!), and reinstalling the latest version.
Is there any way to make this popup no longer appear?
Click to expand...
Not ever had that happen here.

Uncheck Automatically Install updates, under Preferences > Update

Should stop it trying to update.
 

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clam1952 said:
Not ever had that happen here.

Uncheck Automatically Install updates, under Preferences > Update

Should stop it trying to update.
Click to expand...
glasskuter said:
Click to expand...

I tried this first suggestion a while back, doesn't work.
Re the suggestion from MozillaZine, that is for Firefox. But, it also doesn't work for Thunderbird since the "active-update.xml", "updates.xml", and the "updates" folder are nowhere to be found in the newer versions of TB.
 

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asturias7 said:
I tried this first suggestion a while back, doesn't work.
Re the suggestion from MozillaZine, that is for Firefox. But, it also doesn't work for Thunderbird since the "active-update.xml", "updates.xml", and the "updates" folder are nowhere to be found in the newer versions of TB.
Click to expand...
They are in the users folder.

In my case here:
C:\Users\myusername\AppData\Local\Thunderbird\updates\8216C80C92C4E828\updates.xml
 

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    Akasa AK98 5 Case Fans
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    Logitech K270 - wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech - M185 wireless
    Internet Speed
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    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Use hardware KVM to switch monitors on three PCs and software (input director) to use mouse and keyboard on all 4 PCs.

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 22H2 build 22621.900Intel i5 - 1040016GB of HyperX Fury @ 2133 MhzEVGA 6GB GTX 1060.
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 22H2 build 22621.900
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3881 - modified with SFX PSU fitted internally
    CPU
    Intel i5 - 10400
    Motherboard
    Dell 032w55 version A00
    Memory
    16GB of HyperX Fury @ 2133 Mhz
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 6GB GTX 1060.
    Sound Card
    Builtin
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ACER KA241
    Screen Resolution
    1920x 1080 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    256GB SK hynix NVMe
    1TB Western Digital WD10EZEX-75WN4A1
    PSU
    Modular 450 Watt Corsair SF450 Platinum ( Mod to replace the Dell 265 Watt PSU)
    Case
    Inspiron Small Desktop
    Cooling
    Dell stock cooler
    Keyboard
    Dell
    Mouse
    Dell
    Internet Speed
    BT Fibre 75 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Use hardware KVM to switch monitors on three PCs and software (input director) to use mouse and keyboard on all 4 PCs.
You state "This happens even though I have the latest update" but what version of TB are you running? I have v102.3.0 which is very new so are you still on the previous versions? If you are then try installing the latest version from the website ( Thunderbird — Make Email Easier. ) instead of using the Help/About Thunderbird method to update.

Another thought - Have you tried 'repairing' the Inbox folder? Right-click on 'Inbox' then 'Properties' and the 'repair' button should be available to click on. You can do this for each sub-folder as well to ensure there is no corruption.
 

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wiganken said:
You state "This happens even though I have the latest update" but what version of TB are you running? I have v102.3.0 which is very new so are you still on the previous versions? If you are then try installing the latest version from the website ( Thunderbird — Make Email Easier. ) instead of using the Help/About Thunderbird method to update.

Another thought - Have you tried 'repairing' the Inbox folder? Right-click on 'Inbox' then 'Properties' and the 'repair' button should be available to click on. You can do this for each sub-folder as well to ensure there is no corruption.
Click to expand...

When I mean I have the latest update, I mean I have the latest update... the same as yours: 102.3.0.
I will try what you suggested.
Btw clam1952, I don't have any updates folders anywhere, checked in every possible place.
 

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Windows 11 25H2 Pro (RP Build 26200.8737)
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Windows 11 25H2 Pro (RP Build 26200.8737)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
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Alienware
asturias7 said:
When I mean I have the latest update, I mean I have the latest update... the same as yours: 102.0.3
I will try what you suggested.
Btw clam1952, I don't have any updates folders anywhere, checked in every possible place.
Click to expand...

*Update: Make that version 102.1.0. The previous version was 102.0.3, which is the one you have wiganken.
I'm hoping I no longer encounter this issue.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 25H2 Pro (RP Build 26200.8737)
OS
Windows 11 25H2 Pro (RP Build 26200.8737)
Computer type
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Manufacturer/Model
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