Are you getting a thunderbird cannot load XPCOM error?
Usually, this tricky thunderbird error occurs due to failed thunderbird updates.
At Bobcares, we often receive requests to solve this error as part of our Server Management Services.
Today, let’s have a look at this error and see how our Support Engineers resolve it.
Why thunderbird cannot load XPCOM occurs?
As we all know, Mozilla’s thunderbird is one of the most preferred email clients due to the bundle of facilities it provides.
It offers a variety of facilities like email. newsfeed, chat, newsgroup and so on.
Though it is simple and very efficient, users often face some kind of errors.
Now, what is XPCOM? Cross-Platform Component Object Model or XPCOM is a cross-platform component model from Mozilla.
It enables multiple language bindings and has features that help programmers to plug their custom functions into the framework and connect it with other components.
We often face the XPCOM load errors due to a failed Thunderbird update that leaves a mixture of old and updated files in the Thunderbird program folder.
How we fix this error
Recently, one of our customers approached us with an XPCOM load error.
He restarted his PC and then when he tried to run a Thunderbird, it ended up showing the message ” Couldn’t load XPCOM”.
He deleted all files but found no change for the error. Our Support Engineers checked and found failed Thunderbird updates.
And, this happened when the security software keeps some of the files in the Thunderbird program folder preventing Thunderbird from replacing all the files.
A clean reinstall can resolve this error by ensuring proper replacement of all files.
This reinstall will involve deleting the Thunderbird program folder:
- (64-bit Thunderbird) “C:\Program Files\Mozilla Thunderbird\”
- (32-bit Thunderbird) “C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Thunderbird\”
In case if the problem still persists, we need to disable security software temporarily and install thunderbird.
[Need more assistance to resolve this?- We’ll help you.]
Conclusion
In short, the error “thunderbird cannot load XPCOM” occurs due to failed Thunderbird updates. In today’s article, we have discussed this error in detail and saw how our Support Engineers fix it for our customers.
when uninstalling T-bird , will all 10 years of mail be lost ?
Hi Hermann,
Program settings and emails are kept in a user profile, which is separate from the program installation. However, you are encouraged to make a backup copy of your profile folder with Thunderbird closed prior to removing and then reinstalling Thunderbird.
Donde encuentro mi perfil para hacer una copia antes de desintalar??… estoy teniendo el mismo problema
Hi there,
You can find the profile directory from the menu button >> Help and select Troubleshooting Information.
I had this same problem and found that it was with the 32-bit Thunderbird, so changed all my settings in the shortcut to the 64-bit. all working perfectly.
I am running Windows 64-bit.
I hope this helps others.
hjow can I find a program directory if Thunderbird doesnt open?
To find your profile without opening Thunderbird,follow below steps:
– Click the Places menu on the top right of the screen and select Home Folder. A File Browser window will appear.
– Click the View menu and select Show Hidden Files if it isn’t already checked.
– Double click the folder marked .thunderbird. Your profile folder is within this folder. If you only have one profile, its folder would have “default” in the name.
Hope this helps :).