Before the Big Collapse: Backing up Thunderbird e-mail files

Factual Questions
1

Can someone point me to directions on how to backup my huge Thunderbird email folders/files?

Is there a handy utility that will do it automatically?
Are external backup HDs typically factory configured to backup such files?

2

Try MozBackup. Works for FireFox, Thunderbird and more.

3

[QUOTE=ticker]
Try MozBackup. Works for FireFox, Thunderbird and more.
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Thank you!