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I need to install a newer version of Thunderbird due to data compatibility issues. The current version (68.10) installed via apt is less recent than that I need to install - and the snap versions available are much more recent still - around 78.5 ...

I know how to crudely install Thunderbird: just download, unzip to some file location and then double click on the /thunderbird/thunderbird executable file.

The problem after this process is that:

  1. Thunderbird will not show on the Show Applications menu at all
  2. Unless downloaded to a folder in a given user account's files, the Thunderbird executable cannot be started due to permission issues.

Naturally, I would like to have this application available to all users on this PC, not just admin. And I would like a "normal" launcher icon for the Show Applications tray.

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  • The unfortunate reality is that you don't install outdated versions of internet-connected software. Not only can it break your package management system, but you open yourself up to known security vulnerabilities which will never get patched. Surely other people have experienced your issue when upgrading in the past and have moved on and figured out a solution that doesn't require running outdated unsafe software. That's where you should focus your effort.
    – Nmath
    Nov 23, 2020 at 20:41
  • @Nmath It has to be done in this case as I'm migrating Thunderbird's data files from Windows 10. Would love it to be otherwise (and I've tried so many ways to) but it cannot be otherwise - data files have a TB version 68.12.1 and current apt version is 68.10 . . . Snap TB version is ~ 70.
    – Trunk
    Nov 23, 2020 at 21:04
  • You don't know that it can't be done because you have not approached the situation this way. I suggest that you ask about that problem rather than your originally proposed solution. This is a typical XY problem. I promise that your path is not a viable one nor is it a long term solution. This seems common enough that there must exist a viable solution that doesn't require running unsafe software.
    – Nmath
    Nov 23, 2020 at 21:25
  • @Nmath Whoa there. I corrected my original post to report that the apt Thunderbird version is currently older than the one I want to install. Apologies for my initial post's error. So now I want a newer version to be installed than the current one - which we assume is considered safe enough. Of course the likelihood is that when apt update Thunderbird, it will be in the 70s rather than 68.12.1 . . . So I need to install this 68.12.1 version, update the TB data files and when the next Thunderbird update comes from apt, apply it. What's bad about a manual installation process?
    – Trunk
    Nov 23, 2020 at 21:55
  • Refer to the "problem" being solved here - support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1309930 My question on manuall installation also applies with other packages where the current one is too far behind than one would normally want to tolerate. And to packages outside those available via apt or snap.
    – Trunk
    Nov 23, 2020 at 22:02

1 Answer 1

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Here's one way:

  • Spin up a disposable container or VM. Manually install the correct version of TB.
  • Use the container to convert your Windows TB files to Linux.
  • Migrate your new Linux TB files onto your real system, which uses a different (apt- or Snap-packaged) version of TB with Gnome-shell compatibility baked in.
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  • Works. Thanks, soldier.
    – Trunk
    Dec 1, 2020 at 11:54

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