I've installed the above and most things have gone well. Thunderbird hasn't. When I click on the icon I get a yellow panel thus:

<windows ID-"messengerWindows".

Right clicking does nothing and if I close the panel using the r/h button I just go back the the starting screen.

I've had a little time to think this over now and I checked the updates button again. I still have 309 updates waiting despite the fact I thought I had downloaded them to start with. When I try again I get:

"E: var/cache/apt/archive/gstreamer0.10-pluginsbad_0.10.22-3.deb trying to overwrite" and much more in the same vein.

While keying this I'm starting to feel foolish. I now realise that I have a new computer that is 64 bits but my downloaded dvd is 32 bits. Will this make a difference? If I spend a couple of hours downloading the 64 bit version of LMDE would I get the same problem with Thunderbird?

Don't feel foolish, 32 bit will run on 64 bit machines without a problem. The issue you have is something different.

A quick google found this link, I can't seem to open it but it may help you.

Thanks K3. I played with what you linked me to and, eventually, removed the gstreamer bit from the updates. This worked okay and Thunderbird appeared on screen. Only problem with it now is that my ISP refuses to recognise my password. I've only been using it for years and it's still listed in the innards of Thunderbird. Peculiar.

Anyway, I think I'll have to remove my account and start again with a new one with a new password. Ain't life great.

I appreciate your willingness to help others.

Best wishes,

Betula