Thunderbird search depends on the Global Database, an index of your messages and address book cards. Rebuild it when search shows blank results or performs poorly. Quit Thunderbird, delete the global-messages-db.sqlite file in your profile and start Thunderbird again. Indexing restarts on its own and search results remain partial until it ends.
Search in Thunderbird returns nothing or crawls on a large mailbox. Mozilla documents a direct fix for a damaged search index.
Steps follow the Mozilla Support article on rebuilding the Global Database.
What is the Thunderbird Global Database?
Mozilla calls it Gloda, an indexing system for message search. Rebuilding indexes messages and address book cards again. Newsgroup messages are not indexed.
When to Rebuild the Index?
- Corruption. Mozilla states the database can be damaged.
- Broken search. Search shows blank results or performs poorly.
- Large file. Mozilla states a rebuild alone does not shrink an oversized file. It shrinks only when fewer messages need indexing, for example after you delete messages or disable sync for an account or folder.
- Fragmentation. Fragmented files slow indexing.
How to Reindex Thunderbird Folders?
- Quit Thunderbird.
- Find
global-messages-db.sqlitein your Thunderbird profile folder. - Delete that file.
- Start Thunderbird. Reindexing starts automatically.
Thunderbird remains usable during indexing and performance can drop. Search can return partial results or none until indexing ends. Check progress under Tools and Activity Manager. Copy the file to another folder before you delete it if you want a fallback.
Related reading: how to use Scanpst.exe to repair a PST file and how to fix Outlook not importing a PST file.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Reindex Thunderbird?
Quit Thunderbird, delete the database file from your profile and start Thunderbird again.
Does Rebuilding Delete My Emails?
No. Mozilla describes the Global Database as a search index. Your messages remain in their folders.
Why is Thunderbird Search Showing Blank Results?
Mozilla lists a corrupted or fragmented Global Database as a cause.
What is the Reindexing Time?
Mozilla gives no time. It states indexing can take a while and search is partial until it ends.
Key Takeaways
- Global Database is the search index for messages and address book cards.
- Deleting the database file forces a rebuild.
- Thunderbird reindexes on its own at the next start.
- Search is partial until indexing ends.
- Newsgroup messages are not indexed.
Sources and References
Facts follow Mozilla Support.
- Rebuilding the Global Database (Mozilla Support) support.mozilla.org