What is AttachmentExtractor Continued?
AttachmentExtractor Continued is a Thunderbird extension. Users select many messages and save every attachment in one step. The tool can detach files from the mail too.
The original AttachmentExtractor stopped getting updates. Another developer took the last release and published a new version named Continued on the Thunderbird extensions site.
Does AttachmentExtractor Continued Still Work?
Not on current Thunderbird. The public code repository has branches for Thunderbird 78 and 91. Reviews and a Mozilla support thread say the developer stopped work near version 91.
Users who still need it install an older Thunderbird in a second install. That route leaves you on an old program, so it fits only a short, one time extraction.
Which Extension Replaces It Today?
Method #1: Attachment Extractor 1.8.2 (Free)
Who it suits. Users on Thunderbird 125 to 130. Extra application. None.
- Open Thunderbird and install Attachment Extractor from the Thunderbird extensions site.
- Select one or more messages.
- Right click and select Attachment Extractor.
- Choose a template for the file names and the target folder.
- Select the option to start the extraction.
The extension page lists version 1.8.2, updated September 29, 2024, for Thunderbird 125 to 130.
Method #2: Attachment Batch Extract (Free)
Who it suits. Users on Thunderbird 115 or later who want a ZIP file. Extra application. None.
Attachment Batch Extract saves attachments from selected messages as separate files or as one ZIP archive. Its page lists version 0.1.8 from June 24, 2026 and no 100 message limit.
Other options include Attachment Grabber, version 1.2 for Thunderbird 147 and later, and the Extract 'Em! extension. Check the compatibility line on every extension page before you install.
How do You Save Attachments Without an Extension?
Method #3: Save One Message at a Time (Free)
Who it suits. Users with a handful of messages. Extra application. None.
- Open the message in Thunderbird.
- Find the attachment bar at the bottom.
- Select Save or Save All.
- Choose a folder and confirm.
That route has no batch mode, so every message needs its own visit. Our guide to download attachments from multiple emails in Thunderbird compares all the routes.
What if You have Thousands of Messages?
Extensions work inside Thunderbird, so they slow down on large folders. An MBOX extractor reads the profile files outside Thunderbird.
The MBOX Attachment Extractor processes MBOX files from Thunderbird and saves the attachments to a folder. Test the demo on one MBOX file first.
What should You Check Before You Extract?
- Make a copy of the Thunderbird profile folder first.
- Test on five messages and open the saved files.
- Avoid the delete or detach option on the first test, because some users report duplicate messages after it.
- Copy IMAP messages to Local Folders first when the extension finds no attachments, as one reviewer suggests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AttachmentExtractor Continued?
AttachmentExtractor Continued is a Thunderbird extension that saves attachments from many selected messages. A second developer built it after the original extension stopped.
Does AttachmentExtractor Continued Work in Thunderbird 115?
No. AttachmentExtractor Continued has code branches for Thunderbird 78 and 91. Use a maintained extension on Thunderbird 115 and later.
Which Extension Works on Current Thunderbird?
The maintained extension lists support for Thunderbird 125 to 130. Attachment Batch Extract lists Thunderbird 115 and later.
Does Thunderbird Save Attachments From Many Emails Natively?
No. Thunderbird saves attachments one message at a time. A Mozilla support answer points to an extension for bulk saves.
Can You Extract Attachments to a ZIP File?
Yes. Attachment Batch Extract can save the files as one ZIP archive, and Extract 'Em! saves to a ZIP file by default.
Is It Safe to Delete Attachments With an Extension?
Test first. Users report duplicate messages after the detach option. Copy your profile before any bulk delete.
Can You Extract Attachments From an MBOX File?
Yes. An MBOX extractor reads the file outside Thunderbird and saves the attachments to a folder.
Author's Verdict
AttachmentExtractor Continued belongs to older Thunderbird versions. Choose a maintained extension today.
Test on a few messages and copy your profile first. That check takes minutes and saves your mail.
Key Takeaways
- AttachmentExtractor Continued stopped near Thunderbird 91.
- The maintained extension targets Thunderbird 125 to 130.
- Test any bulk extraction on five messages first.