Why is Mozilla Thunderbird so slow at receiving new messages?

Compumind · 28 Apr 2019

Hi.

This is nothing new but Thunderbird is very slow at receiving new messages from my ISP's mail server.
When using the webmail client directly from a browser, (direct to server) it is really fast.

Anyone else with this issue and a possible fix?

Thanks.

ignatzatsonic · 28 Apr 2019

I use an antique version---3.1.7. It may be 10 years old?

Standard behavior that I see:

Usually, messages are received within 2 seconds of opening T bird.

Occasionally, it takes up to maybe 10 seconds. One time in 30 or so.

Maybe 3 or 4 times a year, I will get an error re "can't connect to server" after perhaps 20 seconds, for whatever reason. I attribute this to my ISP (Cox) rather than to T bird.

Have you talked to ISP support to confirm that you have the current correct ports and server addresses entered into the T bird config account settings? Mine change slightly over the long run and I can't rely on the ISP to notify me of the changes. For instance, Cox quit using "east" or "west" in server addresses----without notifying me.

How much are you delayed?

Callender · 28 Apr 2019

Check that it doesn't sync all messages regardless of age:

Why is Mozilla Thunderbird so slow at receiving new messages?-thunderbird-off-line-sync.png

On Accounts Settings select Synchronization and Storage and set the number of previous days you need to have new emails downloaded from. If you log in every day - set it for 2 days or something. Then it doesn't have to check every old email on the server when connecting.

Note: I don't currently use Thunderbird.

Compumind · 28 Apr 2019

@Callender -

Good idea!

I'm using Thunderbird 60.6.1 which is the latest revision.
Somehow, I'm not seeing what you are.

Compumind · 28 Apr 2019

ignatzatsonic said:

How much are you delayed?

Anywhere from 5 to 30 seconds with a very fast connection.

FWIW.

Callender · 28 Apr 2019

Compumind said:

@Callender -

Good idea!
I'm using Thunderbird 60.6.1 which is the latest revision.
Somehow, I'm not seeing what you are.

I used Thunderbird in the past but cannot post screenshots because I no longer use it.

Those settings are explained here:

IMAP Synchronization | Thunderbird Help

You can also choose to synchonize only certain folders.

If you're not using IMAP you might not see those settings. Currently it's recommended to use IMAP.

EDIT:

Tools > Account Settings then expand your account by clicking the arrow.

Compumind · 28 Apr 2019

Callender said:

If you're not using IMAP you might not see those settings. Currently it's recommended to use IMAP.

Agreed. On this system I am using POP.

Thanks!

Callender · 28 Apr 2019

Another thing - if you've been using thunderbird for a long time and have kept updating the software - it's sometimes best to fully remove it then clean install it.

If you want to do that:
Backup Thunderbird Profile using this:
Hekasoft Backup & Restore - Sofpedia Download

Uninstall Thunderbird using Geek Uninstaller.

GeekUninstaller

Let it scan for leftovers. Delete the leftovers.
Check for and manually delete (if found)
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Thunderbird
C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Thunderbird

Then reinstall. Only as a last resort and only if you know the required settings to reconnect your email account.

Callender · 28 Apr 2019

If you wanted to switch from POP3 to IMAP you'd have to remove your account then re-add it using IMAP settings.

Up to you.

How to Setup Email Accounts Using POP3 or IMAP in Email Clients

Compumind · 28 Apr 2019

The funny thing is that my two other systems are configured with IMAP.

Same result. Those installs are new.