Dragitz
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Cannot attach files in Mail app - claims file is empty

I have tried to attach several files to to an email through the mail app and when sent out they arrive as empty shells with the same filename.  If i try to drag the file into the window it will appear but the file is empty.  If I use the attach (paperclip) it simply does not appear at all. 

I have tried to delete the /Library/Containers/com.apple.mail/Data/Library/Preferences/com.apple.mail.plist for it is no longer located in /Library/Preferences/com.apple.mail.plist. 

 

I have tried a Time Machine Restore from several weeks ago but apparently it existed then too.  I have tried repairing permissions through Disk Utility.

 

when attaching Console says this:

4/13/13 8:54:24.941 AM sandboxd[729]: ([718]) Mail(718) deny file-read-xattr /Users/Username/Desktop/Test copy.JPG

 

when i load the mail app i get this:

4/13/13 8:53:49.465 AM Mail[718]: Keychain sandbox consume extension error: s=-1 p= Cannot allocate memory

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion

Posted on Apr 13, 2013 8:05 AM

by Linc Davis,Solvedanswer
Linc Davis Linc Davis
Level 10 (208,037 points)
Applications
A:

Please follow these directions to delete the Mail "sandbox" folder.

Back up all data.

Triple-click the line below to select it:

~/Library/Containers/com.apple.mail

Right-click or control-click the highlighted line and select

Services ▹ Reveal

from the contextual menu.* A Finder window should open with a folder named "com.apple.mail" selected. If it does, move the selected folder — not just its contents — to the Desktop. Leave the Finder window open for now.

Quit and relaunch Mail, and test. If the problem is resolved, you may have to recreate some of your Mail settings. You can then delete the folder you moved and close the Finder window. If you still have the problem, quit Mail again and put the folder back where it was, overwriting the one that may have been created in its place. Post your results.

Caution: If you change any of the contents of the sandbox, but leave the folder itself in place, Mail may crash or not launch at all. Deleting the whole sandbox will cause it to be rebuilt automatically.

*If you don't see the contextual menu item, copy the selected text to the Clipboard (command-C). In the Finder, select

Go ▹ Go to Folder...

from the menu bar, paste into the box that opens (command-V). You won't see what you pasted because a line break is included. Press return.

Posted on Apr 13, 2013 9:12 AM

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Dragitz

Q: Cannot attach files in Mail app - claims file is empty

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Linc Davis,Solvedanswer

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Apr 13, 2013 9:12 AM in response to Dragitz
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    Apr 13, 2013 9:12 AM in response to Dragitz

    Please follow these directions to delete the Mail "sandbox" folder.

    Back up all data.

    Triple-click the line below to select it:

    ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.mail

    Right-click or control-click the highlighted line and select

    Services ▹ Reveal

    from the contextual menu.* A Finder window should open with a folder named "com.apple.mail" selected. If it does, move the selected folder — not just its contents — to the Desktop. Leave the Finder window open for now.

    Quit and relaunch Mail, and test. If the problem is resolved, you may have to recreate some of your Mail settings. You can then delete the folder you moved and close the Finder window. If you still have the problem, quit Mail again and put the folder back where it was, overwriting the one that may have been created in its place. Post your results.

    Caution: If you change any of the contents of the sandbox, but leave the folder itself in place, Mail may crash or not launch at all. Deleting the whole sandbox will cause it to be rebuilt automatically.

    *If you don't see the contextual menu item, copy the selected text to the Clipboard (command-C). In the Finder, select

    Go ▹ Go to Folder...

    from the menu bar, paste into the box that opens (command-V). You won't see what you pasted because a line break is included. Press return.

  • by sudeep.makku,

    sudeep.makku sudeep.makku May 27, 2013 6:22 AM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 27, 2013 6:22 AM in response to Linc Davis

    I am having exactly the same problem, I tried the above steps but the problem still persist. Do you have any other solution. I also tried to create a new user account (of the machine) and configured email in that, but still attachment attaches blank file only. Also when I try to attach through the attachment button, it does not attaches. I have tried moving the com.apple.mail folder through the contextual menu, but it not worked.

     

    Please help.

  • by Dragitz,

    Dragitz Dragitz May 27, 2013 10:15 AM in response to Dragitz
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 27, 2013 10:15 AM in response to Dragitz

    I looked into it with apple support and the files ended up needing to be reloaded.  I had to do a reinstall mountain lion which DOES NOT remove programs or change system files or documents. Fixed the problems.

  • by PChastenay,

    PChastenay PChastenay Aug 2, 2013 11:21 AM in response to Dragitz
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 2, 2013 11:21 AM in response to Dragitz

    Hade the same problem, did the ML reinstall, and it works fine now. But given the time it took to reinstall, I hope I won't have to do this often!

     

    BTW, here's how to reinstall ML without erasing your HD, but make a copy of your files just in case!

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH10763

  • by Fábio Walker,

    Fábio Walker Fábio Walker Aug 22, 2013 7:09 PM in response to PChastenay
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 22, 2013 7:09 PM in response to PChastenay

    Linc Davis' solution unfortunatly didn't work for me. So I guess your ML reinstall option is my number, though I am a little bit concerned about my apps.

     

    I have a very healthy backup routine, so I am not worried about files. In the other hand, is it possible that after the reinstall procedure I may have some apps not running as fine as they were before? I mean, without my personal adjustments, saved accounts and not recognizing (asking once again for) some serial numbers/licences etc?

     

    I am quite sure I have already passed through these stumbles before. Just don't remeber with wich apps.

     

    From another perspective: waiting for Mavericks and avoiding this kind of trouble, since I will upgrade to it anyway, would be a reasonable option?

     

    kind regards