How to move messages from dead IMAP account to Local Folders

[brian.r.hamilton]

Hello,

I have numerous IMAP accounts in Thunderbird where my access to the server no longer exists. Most of the messages are stored locally in Thunderbird's folder structure, so I am able to read them, etc. I would like to delete the account in Thunderbird but first I need to move all the messages to Local Folders as they are quite important. I made the mistake of thinking that because I could still see them in Thunderbird, it would be simple to clean up this mess when I finally had time (which is now).

When I try to move the messages by dragging & dropping, Thunderbird insists on accessing the server which is impossible because the IMAP account no longer exists on the server. As a result, I am asked to provide the account password, etc., which obviously won't work, or Cancel. Cancel stops the moving process so I am unable to do anything with these messages.

How can I move these messages to Local Folders where I know they are safe & secure so that I can delete the IMAP account from Thunderbird for good?

[brian.r.hamilton]

Solved! Apparently this is a great use for Work Offline. That was simple. Hopefully someone else finds this useful.