I suddenly started having problems sending and receiving emails from provider. They advised after several tries, to delete email account and then add it back. When I try to add it back it, Accounts (in or outside of Mail) tells me that the "account already exists" and won't add the account.
-rob
iMac, OS X 10.11
Was wondering is there somewhere else associated with my Mail program that utilizes my email address?
Yes. You're on the right track. Apple's "account already exists" message is an example of user interaction such that — while technically correct — is entirely unhelpful.
The solution is to "sign out" of every service that uses that email address. Those services are likely to include Contacts, FaceTime, Messages, Mail and others. You can use System Preferences > Internet Accounts to examine each one of the (possibly) many accounts you have that are already using that email address. So that's what it means by "already exists"... because it does. Of course it does. It's just not helpful because you want to add that already existing Account to Mail.
A quick method to rule out all the Apple services that rely upon that Account is to "sign out" of iCloud altogether. Then, add the email account again. Sign in to iCloud when prompted, and select the services you wish to use with that iCloud Account.
For reference,
Was wondering is there somewhere else associated with my Mail program that utilizes my email address?
Yes. You're on the right track. Apple's "account already exists" message is an example of user interaction such that — while technically correct — is entirely unhelpful.
The solution is to "sign out" of every service that uses that email address. Those services are likely to include Contacts, FaceTime, Messages, Mail and others. You can use System Preferences > Internet Accounts to examine each one of the (possibly) many accounts you have that are already using that email address. So that's what it means by "already exists"... because it does. Of course it does. It's just not helpful because you want to add that already existing Account to Mail.
A quick method to rule out all the Apple services that rely upon that Account is to "sign out" of iCloud altogether. Then, add the email account again. Sign in to iCloud when prompted, and select the services you wish to use with that iCloud Account.
For reference,
Hey Thanks! I did contact them and at first she was just as confused as I, but we sorted out that to reload the account info I had to do 2 things, 1> log out of iCloud, and 2> log out of any web browser email sites.
Hope that helps the next person.
Best Regards -rob
Please restart the computer in Safe Mode per the directions in the How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support link.
Note: If you are using a wireless keyboard please either plug it in using the supplied Lightning cable that shipped with it. If you are using a legacy keyboard or a third-party keyboard that does not have re-charging abilities, please use any USB keyboard. Also note that a Safe Mode restart may require you to hold down the shift key for up to 5 minutes before the computer starts in Safe Mode. You will know it is in Safe Mode when you see “Safe Mode” in the upper right of the display.
Next, please restart normally and please retest.
I am not able to look over your shoulder to see what you may have done so my recommendation is for you to call AppleCare. Use the following link to find the link find the number in your area.
Unfortunately that did not do the trick. Still get the "That account already exist" message. Was wondering is there somewhere else associated with my Mail program that utilizes my email address? Would this stop Mail from loading the providers info for my email account?
"account already exists" message when I try to add my account back to my Mail program.
