I have to reinstall Linux while retaining as many of my browser and email settings as possible. The swiftweasel bookmarks are easy, because, in my case, the .mozilla/swiftweasel/xxxx.default/bookmarks.html is simply a link to a genuine bookmarks.html file on a server, which means my other comps always have current bookmarks.

I want to keep the ~/.mozilla-thunderbird/xxxxx.default/Mail/* settings and inbox/outbox settings. I can't just re-install and quietly put the files back into the new directory, -that never works.

I also want to keep my address book, and browser cookies. Where are these things located? I'd like to get up to speed in saving this valuable information.

It has always worked for me??

All of the browser cookies are in the respective firefox folder in the home folder. I Just always copy the whole .folder and I have never had a problem with either thunderbird or FF