Thunderbird v78 - desktop display issue - tabs not showing

grumpycrab

An odd one. On a neighbours computer there's a display problem with tabs (when emails are open in tabs). The tabs aren't distinguished - looks like a display/format issue.  Works if always opened in Safe mode.  Nervous about reinstalling.  What's the safest reinstallation method please?

fwor

Do you know if they have any add-ons installed? The few problems I've had with T'bird have been with add-ons (Lightning specifically). If so, have you tried "Restart with add-ons disabled"?

grumpycrab

fwor said:

If so, have you tried "Restart with add-ons disabled"?

The restart with stuff disabled is very confusing.  I've tried "disable all add-ons" - still a problem.
I've tried "reset toolbars and controls".  - still a problem
Its only ok if I start in "Safe mode"  but presumably always starting in safe mode is silly.

billn

What version of Thunderbird is it? I have just updated to 78 and it did all sorts of wierd things on my desktop but not laptop.

grumpycrab

billn said:

What version of Thunderbird is it? I have just updated to 78 and it did all sorts of wierd things on my desktop but not laptop.

Yes 78.  Laptop is ok - icons have been redesigned but tabs work.  On the desktop there are some drawing issues, specifically the tab frames aren't been drawn properly and so you cannot distinguish between tabs.  Possibilty something to do with resolutions!?  How easy is it to reinstall an older version? e.g. 68.

J_B

grumpycrab said:

  How easy is it to reinstall an older version? e.g. 68.

Someone told me it was possible, but, sadly, I failed to do the job!

Have a root round in here ... http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewforum.php?f=39

grumpycrab

grumpycrab said:  How easy is it to reinstall an older version? e.g. 68.

Just installed 68 and on starting said "profile was created with newer version of Thunderbird and is not compatible".
That IS rubbish.  I'm not into recreating my neighbour's (rather complicated) profile.
Workround at the moment is to start Thunderbird 78 in safe mode.

billn

grumpycrab said

Yes 78.  How easy is it to reinstall an older version? e.g. 68.

I think you will have to save the profile, uninstall 78 then install 68 and use the saved profile to get everything back. I did similar but reinstalled 78 and all was well with the email side but the calendar (it's now intigrated in Thunderbird) was another very long story!

ETA sorry didn't see your last reply about 78 profile not working on 68 I was typing as you sent it.

J_B

grumpycrab said:

grumpycrab said:  How easy is it to reinstall an older version? e.g. 68.

Just installed 68 and on starting said "profile was created with newer version of Thunderbird and is not compatible".
That IS rubbish.  I'm not into recreating my neighbour's (rather complicated) profile.
Workround at the moment is to start Thunderbird 78 in safe mode.

Exactly what happened to me.

I did start a thread about similar somewhere .. will see if I can find it ...

EDIT, here

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6194780/thunderbird-get-all-mails/p1

AstonSmith

When you say "safe mode", do you mean Thunderbird's safe mode, or the operating system (say, Windows) safe mode?

Can you post a screenshot of what the tabs look like when broken?

Lastly, have you tried turning off hardware acceleration in Options?

grumpycrab

AstonSmith said:

When you say "safe mode", do you mean Thunderbird's safe mode, or the operating system (say, Windows) safe mode?

Can you post a screenshot of what the tabs look like when broken?

Lastly, have you tried turning off hardware acceleration in Options?

Thunderbird's safe mode (by appending -safe-mode to command line).  Cannot post a screen-shot - dekstop is back with neigbour.  The tabs (when 1 or more emails are open) are not delineated and the email subject text is not shown on the tab itself.  It looks like a screen draw issue.
No, didn't try turning off hardware acceleration but will try that next time I see the computer.