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The best Apple Mail backup solution -or- what files to replace?

#1
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11/2/08 at 5:24am
  • Joined: July 1997
  • Post Count: 20,194
I have decided to do my annual format of my Mac Pro. I usually do
this in order to just dump all the deep-rooted gunk on my system.

I need to find a way to preserve all my email including the individual
mailboxes I have made over the past year.

Not sure if the Email Backup Pro software would be the best
solution. I seem to remember using an email backup program last
year and it only backed up my main mailbox but I could never recover
the individual ones I made.

Anyone have experience with EBP or perhaps knows a better
software?

I can easily backup my system to an external drive using SuperDuper
so if it is easier just to pull files off of it after I reinstall Leopard
I will do so --- but I need to know specifically what folders to replace.

Would appreciate help here. Thanks
Ronald J Epstein
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#2
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11/2/08 at 3:03pm
  • Joined: March 2001
  • Location: Rochester, NY
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Re: The best Apple Mail backup solution -or- what files to replace?

Let me ask a meta question: does a Mac, even a hardcore user's Mac, need an annual re-install? The good ole days of Windows 95 & 98 benefited from a reinstall every year or two. But even WinXP works well for years on end without reinstall. Does OS X, especially 10.5, benefit from such labors? You're a busy guy; don't want to waste hours in the day

But to your question:
First, I completely agree that it's best to do a SuperDuper clone, then copy things back at your leisure. Less thought to backup everything and copy selectively, than to actively choose what to backup and possibly miss something.

For email particularly, do you use Mac Mail? If so, Apple has suggestions.
Quote:
  1. Quit Mail if it's open.
  2. From the Finder's Go menu, choose Home.
  3. Open the Library folder.
  4. Copy the folder "Mail" to your backup location, such as a different volume or burnable disc. Important: Do not remove the Mail folder from ~/Library. If you're backing up to the same volume, hold the Option key as you drag the folder to make a copy instead of moving it (a "+" cursor appears).
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#3
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11/2/08 at 7:42pm
  • Joined: October 1997
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Re: The best Apple Mail backup solution -or- what files to replace?

I recommend moving to gmail =p

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#4
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11/3/08 at 1:14am
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Re: The best Apple Mail backup solution -or- what files to replace?

No way GMAIL is better than APPLE MAIL.

I use both and there is no comparison -- especially when I have
MobileMe for webside access.
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
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#5
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11/3/08 at 5:34am
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Re: The best Apple Mail backup solution -or- what files to replace?

It's not enough just backing up ~/Library/Mail/ as Dave mentions above. That just backs up the messages. If you want to maintain the settings for your accounts, you also must back up the ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.mail.plist file. If you don't, the first time you open Mail.app, you'll be prompted to create a new account.

Backing up and transferring Mail is so easy in OS X that it makes little sense to spend any money on software that essentially copies a single file and a folder for you.
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#6
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11/3/08 at 1:34pm
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Re: The best Apple Mail backup solution -or- what files to replace?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael_K_Sr
It's not enough just backing up ~/Library/Mail/ as Dave mentions above. That just backs up the messages. If you want to maintain the settings for your accounts, you also must back up the ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.mail.plist file. If you don't, the first time you open Mail.app, you'll be prompted to create a new account.

Backing up and transferring Mail is so easy in OS X that it makes little sense to spend any money on software that essentially copies a single file and a folder for you.
Right. I only copied the part about the messages. The link I gave explains the whole thing, preferences & all.
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#7
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11/3/08 at 6:49pm
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Re: The best Apple Mail backup solution -or- what files to replace?

Ron have you used gmail with Thunderbird?

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#8
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11/4/08 at 1:17am
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Re: The best Apple Mail backup solution -or- what files to replace?

No.

Why would I want to go that route?

Firstly, the less I have to deal with any web based email (gmail)
the better.

I think Apple Mail is as good as (or probably better) than Thunderbird.
Plus, you combine it with an application such as SpamSieve and all the
spam is effectively removed upon arrival.

Apple Mail is not perfect, but with the many plugins available, it is
as good as many of the former mail applications I have used including
Eudora, Poco Mail and Entourage.
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
To View My Massive DVD Collection Click Here
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#9
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11/4/08 at 9:04am
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Re: The best Apple Mail backup solution -or- what files to replace?

Michael,

Your instructions resulted in a PERFECT restore of my email program
and all associated mailboxes after my format this morning.

Thank you so much.
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
To View My Massive DVD Collection Click Here
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#10
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11/4/08 at 9:05am
  • Joined: July 1997
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Re: The best Apple Mail backup solution -or- what files to replace?

Michael,

Your instructions resulted in a PERFECT restore of my email program
and all associated mailboxes after my format this morning.

Thank you so much.
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
To View My Massive DVD Collection Click Here
HTF Rules and Regulations
Export to Wiki
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