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Level 1

0 points

Can't Open Mac Mail after Recent Update

Last night I performed a software update and today I cannot open my mail application. When I do, I get the following error message:

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You can’t use this version of Mail with this version of Mac OS X

You tried to open Mail version 4.5 (1084/1085) in:

/Applications/iWork '09/Mail.app

It can’t be used on this version of Mac OS X. Try opening the version of Mail located in the Applications folder on your computer. For more information, click the Help button.

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When I try to open Mail from the applications folder as it instructs, I still get the same error message. I did notice that when I view the program in the preview window that it says Mail version 4.6 even though the error message says 4.5. I would suspect that has something to do with the problem, but that's as good at troubleshooting as I get. Does anyone know how to resolve this? Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Sep 20, 2012 8:38 AM

44 replies

Sep 21, 2012 2:22 AM in response to eyesnheart

Hi, How do i re install the security update. I have placed the mail folder back into applications.

Thanks in advance

Ed.

DrSpEd

Level 1

8 points

Sep 21, 2012 7:57 AM in response to sdcincanada

This worked for me too! Thanks sdcincandada!

Sep 21, 2012 8:16 AM in response to eyesnheart

This sounds like it will work, but when I try to put the original app, back to the applications folder, it asks me if I want to overwrite the mail.app. Do I want to do that?

DrSpEd

Level 1

8 points

Sep 21, 2012 8:23 AM in response to Pkhampton

I kept my Mail app in a different folder within the Applications folder. I found a new Mail app (4.6) in the applications folder. I threw that in the trash (but didn't empty it just in case). Then moved my old Mail (4.5) from the other folder to the Applications folder (had to type password to do it). Then downloaded the Security Update and ran it again. After the restart, Mail worked again! And was properly updated to 4.6 apparently.

Sep 21, 2012 8:52 AM in response to DrSpEd

Thanks DrSpEd. I did exactly as you said and it worked. YEA!!!

Sep 21, 2012 4:42 PM in response to SomebodyParr

trying it now

put the icon in Applications and am running the security update

crossing my fingers

Sep 21, 2012 4:52 PM in response to Tampa mom

DrSped THANK YOU THANK YOU

Sep 22, 2012 12:41 AM in response to sdcincanada

I had the same Problem and your advice totally worked!
Thank you very much !! 😉

Sep 22, 2012 6:10 AM in response to eyesnheart

It didn't work for me.

Salz32

Level 1

9 points

Sep 22, 2012 8:25 AM in response to druckadele

It didn't work for me...however. I sat for hours on end determined to get it back to normal and it worked!

I am not good with technical words but I can try and help if you like!

Sep 22, 2012 8:50 AM in response to eyesnheart

Yes please help. I have removed the icon from my dock so it only appears in applcations. then I reinstalled the security download. I did this twice and the result was identical to the original download. The new icon appears but will not open.

DrSpEd

Level 1

8 points

Sep 22, 2012 8:50 AM in response to Tampa mom

I'm glad it's working for most of you. However, I do not deserve credit.

"sdcincandada" is the one who originally posted the fix!

Thanks to him/her!

Salz32

Level 1

9 points

Sep 22, 2012 9:00 AM in response to druckadele

druckadele wrote:

Yes please help. I have removed the icon from my dock so it only appears in applcations. then I reinstalled the security download. I did this twice and the result was identical to the original download. The new icon appears but will not open.

I did what you say you have done a numerous amount of times.

I had the original mail icon in applications. it was named "mail 19-48-98.app". I renamed it "mail.app" and ran the security update again...it worked.

wha is yours named??

eyesnheart Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 22, 2012 10:49 AM in response to eyesnheart

OK gang, it sounds like you guys in the apple community figured out an easier solution than what the "genius" team at apple put me through for 3 hours or so on Thursday. The first guy had me totally re-install my operating system. (That takes some time friends!) Of course, when I turned the computer back on, none of my iWork applictions now worked, in addition to Mail. (You gotta love a solution that puts you in WORSE shape than what you started. UGH!) So then he had me re-install my iWorks software. Later, a second guy from Apple called me back and said, "No. You shouldn't have needed to re-install your operating system. You probably just needed to go back and re-do the 10.6.6 update and THEN do the10.6.8 update. After all of that effort, it finally worked.

So, I thought I'd share in case the other recommendation about moving your Mail back to it's original spot in the applications folder doesn't work for you, then maybe you'd have a plan B. If I had to do it over again, I would start with re-installing your 10.6.6 update and then following up with the 10.6.8 update.

Good Luck All. I feel your pain!

eyesnheart Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 22, 2012 10:59 AM in response to whirlybird90

You can do one of two things -

Go to your apple icon and in the drop down you'll see Software Update. Once it's searches for the update, click on details first to see what updates it recommends and you should see it in there.

Or - you can go to Apple Support for downloads.. Here's the link and you can pick your update there: http://support.apple.com/downloads/

Good Luck

Can't Open Mac Mail after Recent Update