Baldwin Wallace University

IT Support

Exporting Your BW Email Using Mozilla Thunderbird

  • Updated

Overview

If you have been granted temporary access to your retired @mail.bw.edu email account, you can use Mozilla Thunderbird to download and save a local copy of your email before your access expires.

Mozilla Thunderbird is a free email application available for both Windows and Mac computers.

Important: Once your alumni email account is permanently deactivated, you will no longer be able to access its contents. Be sure to complete the export process before your access expires.

Before You Begin

You will need:

  • Your @mail.bw.edu email address
  • Your BW password
  • Access to a Windows or Mac computer
  • An internet connection

Step 1: Install Mozilla Thunderbird

  1. Visit the Mozilla Thunderbird website: https://www.thunderbird.net/
  2. Download and install Thunderbird on your computer.
  3. Launch Thunderbird after installation is complete.

Step 2: Add Your BW Email Account

  1. Open Thunderbird.
  2. Select Set Up an Existing Email Account.
  3. Enter:
    • Your name
    • Your full @mail.bw.edu email address
    • Your BW password
  4. Click Continue.

Step 3: Connect to Microsoft 365

  1. Thunderbird will automatically detect your account settings.
  2. If prompted, select Exchange as the account type.

Note: POP and IMAP are not supported for BW alumni email accounts.

  1. Sign in using the Microsoft login window.
  2. Complete any multi-factor authentication prompts.

Step 4: Download Your Email

Once authenticated:

  1. Thunderbird will begin synchronizing your mailbox.
  2. Allow Thunderbird to remain open while messages download.
  3. Depending on the size of your mailbox, this process may take some time.

When synchronization is complete, your email will be available locally within Thunderbird on your computer.

Step 5: Move Email to Another Account (Optional)

After your messages are downloaded, you can:

  • Keep them stored locally in Thunderbird.
  • Add a personal email account (such as Gmail or Outlook.com) to Thunderbird.
  • Copy or move messages and folders to your personal account.

Additional Recommendations

Before your access period expires, consider:

  • Exporting any Outlook contacts you wish to keep.
  • Saving important attachments and files.
  • Updating any websites, services, or subscriptions that still use your @mail.bw.edu email address.

Need Assistance?

If you experience any issues exporting your email, contact the Baldwin Wallace University IT Support Center for assistance.