Mail won't delete messages or mark read messages as read. I also can't file messages

This issue started yesterday, I'm running Ventura 13.2.1

I've got 4x accounts & mail won't mark as read & if I delete a message less than a minute later it reappears.


I've run a Norton virus check & am clean, I've tried switching my machine Off & back on again, sill no change.


I've tried rebuilding the mailboxes but that doesn't Make a difference.


Mail won't quite without my doing a force quit.


If I read the messages in the server (Gmail) then reopen mail they disappear.


At the bottom of the mail menu there's a not saying "moving messages" & there's 15 but that message has been there for 2 days now.


Any ideas please??

iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Nov 23, 2023 7:30 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 23, 2023 9:53 AM

First, there is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac.  This documents describe what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.  


There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs.  There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.   


Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear.  They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware.  Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.


There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it.  The free version is more than adequate for most users.  


Unless you're using a true VPN tunnel, such as between you and your employer's, school's or bank's servers, they provide false security from a privacy standpoint. 


Uninstall Norton according to the developer's instructions.


If you're still having problems give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Similar questions

9 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 23, 2023 9:53 AM in response to stevegsm

First, there is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac.  This documents describe what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.  


There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs.  There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.   


Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear.  They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware.  Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.


There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it.  The free version is more than adequate for most users.  


Unless you're using a true VPN tunnel, such as between you and your employer's, school's or bank's servers, they provide false security from a privacy standpoint. 


Uninstall Norton according to the developer's instructions.


If you're still having problems give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Nov 23, 2023 7:54 AM in response to stevegsm

User wrote " This issue started yesterday, I'm running Ventura 13.2.1"


Part 1 or 2


That version was released Feb 13, 2023 - macOS 13.2.1 ( 22D68 )


Keep your Mac up to date


Apple security releases


Part 2 of 2


User wrote " I've run a Norton virus check & am clean "


There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 


The Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User nor by Third Party Applications.


The only Entity that can open and modify or alter this Volume is Apple.


That would occur when an update or UpGrade is performed.


The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.


AntiVirus Developers purposefully Market their product to create a “ Fear Factor “. In so doing, creating a False Need for their Product.


Security. Built right in


Mac app security enhancements


 The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.


Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions 


1 - Disk Cleaner / Disk Optimizers


2 - Third Party Security Software 


This will included Norton Antivirus 



Nov 23, 2023 11:08 AM in response to Old Toad

Old Toad wrote:

I know. But by installing Norton you're just compounding the problem as it's not needed, necessary or good for the Mac.

You are very correct in compounding a bad situation will make it worse


Especially whey attempting to get Google Services to work on macOS for e-mail purposes


Perhaps OP needs to use another E-mail client that understand to protocols Google Mail uses like Thunderbird

Nov 23, 2023 9:07 AM in response to stevegsm

1 - It still remains that the machine is badly out of date and there are many Big and Security Fixes since Ventura 13.2.1


2 - Apple can fix Apple Services, Applications, Operating Systems and Accessories 


Apple can not fix Third Party Services like Google Service used on macOS


That falls clearly Out-Side the Domain of Apple and rests with the Third Party Service to make their services Play Niece with macOS

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Mail won't delete messages or mark read messages as read. I also can't file messages

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