Profile migration - SeaMonkey
This article describes how to migrate Mozilla Suite/SeaMonkey 1.x or Thunderbird profiles to SeaMonkey 2.
- To migrate from Mozilla Suite/SeaMonkey 1.x to Thunderbird, see Migrate from Mozilla Suite or Netscape to Thunderbird
SeaMonkey 2 profile migration
SeaMonkey 2 uses a different profile system from Mozilla Suite/SeaMonkey 1.x. The first time you run it, SeaMonkey 2 will create a "default" profile and will offer to migrate profile data and settings from an existing Netscape 6/7, Mozilla Suite 1.x, SeaMonkey 1.x or Thunderbird profile, via the "Import Wizard". (Migrating data from Firefox is not currently an option.) You can also relaunch the Import Wizard at a later date, using the -migration command line argument to migrate the profile data you wish to use with your SeaMonkey 2 "default" profile. [1]
Migration of old profiles, whether started automatically or manually (see below), only works if the Import Wizard can find old profiles. The location of old profiles is stored in the Mozilla profile registry, a binary file called registry.dat (not to be confused with the Windows Registry!). If you plan to migrate a profile on a computer where you only copied the old profile folders but never installed one of the old Mozilla applications, be sure to also copy the registry.dat file before you try to start migrating profiles.
Manual migration
- If you bypassed the original profile migration, you can start SeaMonkey 2 with the -migration command line argument.
- If you have multiple SeaMonkey 2 profiles, use the arguments -P "profile name" -migration (enter the SeaMonkey 2 profile name you want to use, in place of "profile name".)
If you have additional SeaMonkey 1.x/Mozilla Suite/Thunderbird profiles you wish to migrate to SeaMonkey 2, do the following:
- Completely close all Mozilla applications and make sure no instances are still running (including Quick Launch). [2]
- Create a new SeaMonkey 2 profile using the Profile Manager (accessible from within SeaMonkey 2 via "Tools -> Switch Profile... -> Manage Profiles...") and make a note of the exact name of the new profile. (Profile names are case sensitive).
- After creating the new SeaMonkey 2 profile, close the Profile Manager and completely close SeaMonkey 2 (if open).
- Start SeaMonkey 2 with the -P "new profile" -migration command line arguments.
How you do this depends on your operating system. In all cases, substitute the actual name of the new SeaMonkey 2 profile, in quotes, in place of "new profile".
On Windows
The following commands assume that the SeaMonkey 2 installation directory location is C:\Program Files\SeaMonkey. Substitute the actual location (if different). You can enter the following via "Start -> Run", from the Windows 7/Vista search box at the bottom of the Start menu, or by entering the command in the Target field of a shortcut to the profile):
"C:\Program Files\SeaMonkey\seamonkey.exe" -migration
Use the following command if you have multiple SeaMonkey 2 profiles, or if you have created a new SeaMonkey 2 profile to migrate additional SeaMonkey 1.x/Mozilla Suite/Thunderbird profiles. Substitute the actual name of your SeaMonkey 2 profile, in quotes.
"C:\Program Files\SeaMonkey\seamonkey.exe" -P "new profile" -migration
On Linux
You would use this code on Linux: [3]
seamonkey -P "new profile" -migration
Substitute in quotes the name of the new SeaMonkey 2 profile.
Import Wizard
The SeaMonkey 2 Import Wizard will then open, offering to migrate your data from Netscape 6/7, Mozilla Suite 1.x, SeaMonkey 1.x or Thunderbird.
Note: If the Import wizard does not open, see bug 525038 and this forum topic for possible causes and solutions.
Import Settings and Data
You can choose which type of profile you wish to migrate or you can bypass profile migration and not import anything.
Select Profile
You will be asked to select the profile you wish to migrate to SeaMonkey 2.
Home Page Selection
You can select the same home page you used in the profile you are migrating or you can choose the default SeaMonkey Home Page.
Importing
Once you have completed your selections, profile migration will start and you will be shown a list of the data and settings that are being imported.
See also
- Installing SeaMonkey
- Transferring data to a new profile - SeaMonkey (explains how to transfer your 1.x profile data to SeaMonkey 2, if profile migration does not work).
