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Mail won't download

Have had this problem a couple of times in the past with my BellSouth account and eventually got it worked out but I'm stumped this time.

Incoming mail goes to my iPhone just fine.

I can send mail but cannot receive it.

Library/preferences/com.apple.plist file does not exist

Highlight my BellSouth account in mail and right click / get account info - it shows all the new messages on the server

No lightning bolt beside any of the accounts - all are online . Have taken all mail accounts offline and then back online - ng

Have done a hard restart and even a SMC reset - nada

Running OSX 10.8.3

Everything was fine until 5 days ago. Haven't change any settings or added new software but have been having errant shutdowns due to a kernel panic issue...

Have checked all relevant forums, tips trick and magic wands - ng

Running out of hair to pull out 😠

Posted on Apr 15, 2013 6:06 PM

24 replies

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Apr 20, 2013 11:17 AM in response to Linc Davis

I considered that but in light of the OP stating:

Highlight my BellSouth account in mail and right click / get account info - it shows all the new messages on the server

I discounted it. But it's simple to check so why not.

Apr 20, 2013 11:17 AM in response to Linc Davis

Linc Davis wrote:

Your phone is downloading the messages first and removing them from the server. Change its settings so it doesn't do that.

No all messages are still on the server. Only the Mac will take them off. Mail recognizes them and the count is correct, starts to load them but then drops out.

Been working on this off and on since the 9th....

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Apr 20, 2013 11:25 AM in response to michaelfrompompano beach

Please read this whole message before doing anything.

This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, or by a peripheral device.

Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Post for further instructions.

Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.

The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

Test while in safe mode. Same problem?

After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

Apr 20, 2013 1:19 PM in response to Linc Davis

I did that previously on a recommendation from another post for the same problem. Went to safe mode then disk utility and permission restore. Didn't help.

What has worked (so far) was backing up the account. Deleting it and creating a new one. The new account does not have the settings we all think, including BellSouth, should work. It comes up as an IMAP account not POP3. But it works.

Had to fiddle with the outgoing server settings to get it to click.

incoming server looks like this: imap.mail.yahoo.com

outgoing server looks like this: smtp.att.yahoo.com default port(s) no SSL password authentication

Wrong by all counts but it works...

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Apr 20, 2013 1:22 PM in response to michaelfrompompano beach

Not wrong, just difficult to discern what is right when mutiple versions are suggested by the ATT/Yahoo mess that pretends to be a mail system.

It has now been setup as an Imap system, which I prefer but Yahoo states that Imap connections are only available with a Yahoo+ (paid) account.

Do you understand the differences between POP and Imap? they are significant,

Apr 20, 2013 1:27 PM in response to Csound1

I completely agree, There is conflicting information all over the ATT / BellSouth / Yahoo sites. I honestly believe they'd screw up a marble.

Have no clue as to the difference between the two types of accounts.

BTW - Thank you both very much for you input and help. It is greatly appreciated.

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Apr 20, 2013 1:35 PM in response to michaelfrompompano beach

OK, here we go

POP systems keep mail on the server until it is downloaded to a client (Mail in your case), optionally you can elect to keep a copy on the server as well, if you choose to.

Imap systems keep mail on the server at all times, there is no download to a client, instead you see a locally cached copy of the server. This enables any number of clients (iPads/iPhones etc) to login and see the same mail.

Understand that this is a real time connection and it is synchronous (unlike POP), if you delete a piece of mail on any client it will be deleted from every client. If the need arises to keep specific mails on one client only you would create a local folder in that client and move the mail to it. This will remove the mail from the server thus deleting it from all clients. The local copy stays available to you until deleted.

Apr 20, 2013 1:43 PM in response to Csound1

Thank you!

You just saved me more frustration. My phone was loading up with message and I was wondering where that came from...

Interesting to know.

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Apr 20, 2013 2:25 PM in response to michaelfrompompano beach

michaelfrompompano beach wrote:

Thank you!

You just saved me more frustration. My phone was loading up with message and I was wondering where that came from...

Interesting to know.

Yup, all the mail that is stored in your account will be downloaded to anything connected to the account, but if you have another client (phone maybe) accessing the account via POP there will be issues if you are removing the mail from the server after it has been 'Popped' If that is the case either reset the phone to iMap or set it to leave the mail on the server permananty and use the Imap client to delete, move etc.

Mail won't download