How to Force-Install Addons in Thunderbird 3
Mozilla Thunderbird addons specify a maximum Thunderbird version they’re compatible with in their installation files. Thunderbird does not install addons that don’t claim compatibility with the installed version of Thunderbird. In some cases, an addon designed for older versions of Thunderbird may be compatible with Thunderbird 3, but the addon’s author hasn’t updated the addon with this information. You can force-install addons by disabling the compatibility check.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Click the “Tools” menu at the top of the Mozilla Thunderbird window and select “Options.”
-
2
Click the “Advanced” icon at the top of the options window and click the “Config Editor” button.
-
-
3
Click the “I’ll Be Careful, I Promise” button in the Config Editor window that opens.
-
4
Right-click in the Config Editor window, point to “New” and select “Boolean.”
-
5
Type “extensions.checkCompatibility.[version]” into the New Boolean Value box, replacing "[version]" with the first two characters of the Thunderbird version you’re using, and click “OK.” For example, type “extensions.checkCompatibility.3.0” if you’re using Thunderbird 3.0 or “extensions.checkCompatibility.3.1” if you’re using Thunderbird 3.1.11. Find the version by clicking the “Help” menu in Thunderbird and selecting “About.”
-
6
Select “False” in the Enter Boolean Value box and click “OK.”
-
7
Close the Config Editor window, click the “Tools” menu and select “Add-ons.”
-
8
Click the “Install” button, browse to the addon .XPI file on your computer and double-click it. Thunderbird skips the compatibility check and installs the addon.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
This preference only applies to the current version. Create a new preference with the version of the new Thunderbird release after updating, if necessary.
Be careful when using the Config Editor. It contains a variety of advanced settings that could cause problems with Thunderbird if changed.
Not all addons will work properly after being force-installed.
