Change TBs default POP3 message storage format?

[pstover]

As far as I know TBs default storage format for downloaded POP3 messages is "mbox".

Correct?

Is there an option to change this (for a certain account or in general) to EML?

Peter

[tanstaafl]

It defaults to the mbox format. There is optional support for a lite version of maildir. That stores each message separately. Think of it as sort of like .eml files but with a unix heritage. You can specify the storage format in each accounts server settings if you are using a recent version of Thunderbird. However, there is no support for converting existing folders. You'd have to move the messages to another account temporarily.

Maildir is usable but isn't as mature, and has some bugs. On the other hand you avoid needing to compact folders, since maildir doesn't need that. See https://wiki.mozilla.org/Thunderbird/Maildir (needs some updating).

There is no support for using .eml as a default storage format.

[pstover]

Thank you for answer.

As you said I cannot switch the storgae format of an existing account.
So I have to specify the storage format "maildir" when I intially setup an account?
Where exactly? I found no corresponding prompt when I create a POP3 account.

[WaltS48]

Look in Options > Advanced > General tab.

You have to select the the Message Store Type for new accounts, before creating an account.