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kaiyel

Member

Registered: 2019-10-16

Posts: 27  

HOWTO : Downgrade Thunderbird 115 to 102

Tried to like the new Thunderbird Supernova ... twice ...

Downgraded today in three steps : delete compatibility.ini file, downgrade application software, downgrade configuration files

Open Thunderbird Supernova
Alt-H -> Troubleshooting information
Click Profile Folder -> Open folder
Close Thunderbird
Delete "compatibility.ini" from the open folder

Open command shell

su - root
apt install -y --allow-downgrades /var/cache/apt/archives/thunderbird_1%3a102.14.0-1~deb11u1_amd64.deb
exit
thunderbird --allow-downgrade
Close Thunderbird window

Exit command shell

Your mileage may vary, but the lazy loading of the email summary table as I scroll through it and the sluggishness when moving emails into subfolders make the new version unacceptable in my work flow.  I feel they've taken a delightfully mature product and instead of preserving it, they've reverted it into an embryonic stage once more.

I've been using Thunderbird for decades, and will try to like the latest version again at some point in the future, but for now it just gets in the way of work that needs doing.  If you feel the same, hope this helps,
--K

stultumanto

Member

Registered: 2023-12-12

Posts: 68  

Re: HOWTO : Downgrade Thunderbird 115 to 102

Don't you need to tell the package manager not to upgrade the package as well? I recently had to install an older version of a package, and I also told aptitude to put a hold on it. In my case, it was because newer versions of the wacom driver had pulled support for serial tablets, which broke a ton of older tablet PCs.

(I figure it's a good idea whenever such things are discussed to post a link to Don'tBreakDebian as a warning to those unfamiliar with the risks of such practices.)

kaiyel

Member

Registered: 2019-10-16

Posts: 27  

Re: HOWTO : Downgrade Thunderbird 115 to 102

Not a bad idea, I reckon, to hold back the upgrade indefinitely to prevent accidentally upgrading until they fix some things :

apt-mark hold thunderbird

I think I will do that now.  Thanks for the suggestion,
--K

velvie

Member

Registered: 2024-05-14

Posts: 1  

Re: HOWTO : Downgrade Thunderbird 115 to 102

Thank you so much

dave

Member

Registered: 2020-09-28

Posts: 14  

Re: HOWTO : Downgrade Thunderbird 115 to 102

@kaiyel OP: >>> "Tried to like the new Thunderbird Supernova ... twice ... "

ditto...  After a recent 'upgrade' to the new 'improved' version.

I'd like to revert to 102 but where can I find the .debs?   [ ARM64 and AMD64 needed. ]

My searches have been unfruitful.

Or any other other guidance?

thanx,  /dave

stargate-sg1-cheyenne-mtn

Member

Registered: 2023-11-27

Posts: 208  

Re: HOWTO : Downgrade Thunderbird 115 to 102

this webpage(note, debian sid amd64) has an advisement regarding the preference of using a package manager:

https://packages.debian.org/sid/amd64/thunderbird/download

If you are running Debian, it is strongly suggested to use a package manager like aptitude or synaptic to download and install packages, instead of doing so manually via this website.

You should be able to use any of the listed mirrors by adding a line to your /etc/apt/sources.list like this:

deb http://ftp.de.debian.org/debian sid main

Replacing ftp.de.debian.org/debian with the mirror in question.

to proceed manually just copy the appropriate facility/mirror link and then shorten it by removing the filename itself(something like these):

http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/pool/main/t/thunderbird/

http://http.us.debian.org/debian/pool/main/t/thunderbird/

@dave, it doesn't appear that debian is even offering version 102?

haven't used the bird in years so idk, ymmv.

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