Deleted previous system folder, now I'm a-havin' problems.

Hi all!
I found a "Previous Systems" folder from a months-old archive and install hanging around my hard drive taking up space; figuring it was devoid of anything I needed, I trashed it. The next day, when I tried to open up Mac Mail, to my surprise it gave me the initial setup screen you get when you open the program for the first time, asking me for my account info!
So, I re-set up my accounts and it at least got my mailboxes from my Library folder correct, but without any of the messages. So, I imported my mailboxes as they stood on my computer in User>library>mail. This seemed to import everything correctly, and I thought the problem was solved.
However, when I search for the odd message, many say this:
"The message from Alec Quig <[email protected]> concerning “Submission” has not been downloaded from the server. You need to take this account online in order to download it."
These messages are most definitely not on my email servers. Anyone know how can I get them back?
Thank you!
Alec

Sounds like your Mail index is corrupted. To create a new one, do this:
1. Quit Mail.
2. Go to Home/Library/Mail and remove the Envelope Index file to your Desktop.
3. Start Mail and let it import your messages. When that's done, you should be able to go back to those old messages and see the entire message again.
4. If that works, you can delete the old Envelope Index file on your Desktop.
Mulder

Similar Messages

  • Deleted Previous System Folder, No 10.5 Restart

    Apparently I've done a bad, bad thing. I installed 10.5 with the the archive and install option which created the "previous system" folder. Later I recovered what I wanted from that folder and deleted it. Now when I attempt to start in Mac OS I get a folder icon with a "?" and it starts up in Boot Camp. I tried starting up using the Install DVD for 10.5, but the computer will not recognize the DVD either in start up or while running XP through boot camp.
    Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

    The library alias is just a bug that all of us are experiencing. It has been around for a while and no one knows if or when it will be fixed. It does no harm and if you remove it it will come back so just ignore it. You had it in there before but probably just didn't notice it.

  • Deleting Previous System Folder

    Hello again,
    I'm upgrading from Panther to Tiger on my Power Book G4. After I finish making a clone of my current hard drive, I plan to upgrade to Tiger by doing a Clean Archive Reinstall, preserve all network and system preferences settings. What I want to know is can I delete my Previous System Folder once I have upgraded to Tiger 10.4.11?
    Can someone let me know?
    Thank you
    Phil

    Yes. However, you may find that some information in the /Library/ folder may not be moved automatically during the Archive and Install. In particular you want to check these:
    /Library/Application Support/
    /Library/Preferences/
    /Library/StartupItems/
    /Library/InputManagers/
    /Library/PreferencePanes/
    These may contain items installed by third-party software that you will have to move manually from the PSF.
    If you have Palm software installed there will also be one or two Palm related folders that you will need to transfer.
    Once you are satisfied that you have everything then drag the PSF to the Trash and empty. If you get any warnings then simply restart the computer and then empty the Trash.

  • Can't Delete Previous Systems Folder

    I did an archive and reinstall some time ago, and got what I needed from the Previous Systems folder. So I tried to delete it (Secure Delete), and got most of it gone. What is left is a "Previous Systems" folder, with an "Previous System 1" folder inside, which shows up in the window as empty. When I try and delete it, I get a message that I can't because "html" is in use. I went in via Terminal, and found a series of directories under my "empty" Previous System 1:
    usr/X11R6/lib/X11/doc/html, with a ton of ".html" files in the "html" folder. I got rid of all those files, then tried to get rid of "html", but it tells me that it isn't empty. I used sudo rmdir, and sudo rm -rf, and I get the same message. What gives, and what can I do about it?

    Just to follow up on my problem, I finally had to backup my drive onto another drive, reformat the disk, and copy everything back. The unempty-able Trash was then empty. I still have one other problem that I hoped all that would fix, but I'll post it as a separate question. Just in case someone's curious, the problem (which I had before) is that sometimes upon waking from sleep, I get no response from the machine in that:
    1.) The battery/power meter doesn't update.
    2.) Once I try and click the cursor on anything on the screen (Locations, a window, the Airport menu bar), I get a spinning beachball that goes on for minutes. When it goes away, I try clicking again, and back it comes. Eventually, the machine "catches up" and works, but it's very inconvenient. Usually, this happens after the machine has slept over night. It could be a network issue (i.e., it's looking for the network it saw the night before), but it doesn't happen everytime. It's enough to make me wonder why I bought a Mac.

  • Is deleting previous systems folder save when looking for more HD space?

    Could I copy it to an external HD just in case?

    Your current running system isn't using any part of the Previous Systems folder. All of that folder's contents are just sitting there. If there were no old components you want to keep (most likely command line software you may have installed yourself) it is completely safe to trash that folder.

  • Deleted previous system folder and!

    I ended up with a alias of "library" in the network panel. Of the Finder. When checking for "more info" on this. None shows up. Should I be worried about this. It doesn't seem to effect any of the operating system. I wonder why this happened?
    I had to install 10.4 twice. When it first came out. For some reason the first time had problem. And that's how I ended up with previous system folder. I tried erasing with the finders "secure erase" feature. And it was taking forever. I had to back out and erase normally.
    Don
    iMac G5   Mac OS X (10.4.5)  

    The library alias is just a bug that all of us are experiencing. It has been around for a while and no one knows if or when it will be fixed. It does no harm and if you remove it it will come back so just ignore it. You had it in there before but probably just didn't notice it.

  • Can I delete 'Previous Systems' folder?

    I have re-installed Max OS X twice, first time 2 years ago, the last time was yesterday. This last time I noticed at some point a message that the previous system could not be used anymore for starting up (I hope I recollect this correctly).
    When I look on the HD there is a folder with '2 previous systems' folders, and both folders have 7 items, and each folder has 7 sub-folders. (Applications, Library etc.)
    I assume that this takes up space on the hard drive? Does the newly installed sw need these old items? If not, would it free space if I delete these old system folders?
    Thank you in advance for any information.
    Milli.

    Some people keep them for a little while in case there is a plugin or settings file that they had in their old system that they want to put in their new one. Once you have decided you don't need any of those you can just trash them.

  • Previous systems folder -- what can i delete?

    i had to archive my old system and now, in my hard drive, is the "previous systems" folder with the old library and whatnot.
    i have moved my personal files (desktop, itunes, word files) into my new system and i'm wondering if i can just delete the entire "previous systems" folder -- or if there are things in there that i should be sure to transfer (like any program or application files), or if deleting that folder might cause any problems.
    also, should i just delete the inner "previous system 1" folder (the only folder inside "previous systems") or can i delete the whole folder, prev systems? i don't think it was there before the archive so i assume i can delete it but i wasn't positive.
    help! thanks.
      Mac OS X (10.4.7)  

    emillie
    There are some things that might need moving: printer software that you added and so on. I suggest that you use the machine for a week or two and if you're content that all is working normally then you can trash it. That's what I did.
    Regards
    TD

  • New to MAC  -help with previous systems folder -this should be an easy one!

    My PowerBook G4 (running Leopard) recently crashed due to some corrupt files, per the Genius Bar. I got it up and running with the Leopard upgrade disc as they recommended. Everything went well and on the HD it created a "Previous Systems" folder and everything is in there... (old applications, documents, etc. ... Now what do I do?
    Do I just run the applications (iWork, MS Office, Adobe products, etc.) from that "Previous Systems" folder or should I drag and drop them to the new applications folder, or is it better to delete and reinstall all the programs again? And if I have already opened some of the applications from the Previous Systems" folder will this prevent me from moving them.
    I just want to clean up my laptop and keep it simple... What is the safe and easy thing to do?
    Thanks for all the help... this site is what influenced me to switch from PC to MAC !
    John

    Start with the description in http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301270
    Once you sort that out, see:
    Switching from Windows to Mac OS X,
    Basic Tutorials on using a Mac,
    MacFixIt Tutorials, and
    MacTips Learning Centre.
    Additionally, *Texas Mac Man* recommends:
    Quick Assist.
    Welcome to the Switch To A Mac Guides, and
    A guide for switching to a Mac.

  • Delete Previous System Settings?

    Ok, I posed this question in another Mac forum and they didn't seem to have an answer. Below are both of my posts, I clarified myself in the second one just in case the first one was a little confusing.
    Ok, here's my situation. After I updated to OSX 10.4.8, my MBP started making the whine again, it has always done it even after getting the logic board replaced twice, albeit it's much softer than it was. Nevertheless, I'd taken care of the issue by using the PhotoBooth trick, but since all the the updates, I keep having to reinstall the IOUSB Family to keep the trick working. Anyway, after I updated OSX and the noise came back, I went to reinstall the old IOUSB and I installed the wrong one, so then my keyboard, trackpad, and mouse would not work anymore. I used the install disc and installed 10.4.6 but it kept my previous system and said that it would revert back to all previous settings when I updated the latest version of OSX. My question is, when I update to 10.4.8, will I my keyboard, trackpad, and mouse stop working because of my mistake with IOUSB, and if that's the case, can I just delete the "Previous Systems" folder before I update OSX?
    I'm not sure that I fully explained myself in the first post. My computer is working fine right now, but when I did a restore to 10.4.6, it kept my previous system settings so that, when I update to 10.4.8, it will restore the settings I had the last time I had 10.4.8 installed. I'm concerned that it saved the USB information that wouldn't allow my keyboard, trackpad, and mouse to work.
    There is a folder under "Macintosh HD" that say's "Previous Systems," if I were to delete that folder, would I eliminate a problematic update to 10.4.8, or would I create more problems for myself?

    IL_Dem87:
    If you elected to "Preserve User and Network Settings" when you did Archive and Install your Preferences will be saved along with your data, third party apps in the Applications folder and others (see linked article). If you do not care about your data you don't have to migrate it and can just delete the Previous Systems folder. You can then restore from your backup of your data.
    Good luck.
    cornelius

  • After 10.5.3 update I have a "Previous Systems" folder (1976-04-01_0145)

    After my terrible experience with the 10.5.3 update on Friday (and getting locked out of system, see thread http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1542395&tstart=0) I have my machine up and running again.
    However, I've now discovered that I now have a 'Previous Systems' folder - which is essentially an ENTIRE system, with apps, utilities, etc. - on my machine and it is dated 1976-04-01_0145.
    Because of this duplication I am barely able to run my machine as the startup drive is out of memory, all of my apps thing I've never used them before today, etc. . However, I am terrified of deleting one or the other of these two system folders.
    I can't even properly backup as the scan takes FOREVER.
    Help! What should I do?
    Thanks,
    Jennifer

    Yes, You should have a previous system folder after an archive and install.
    Can you backup everything to a second HD? Or, were you running Time Machine (a good idea). If you can, then you can safely delete many things from the previous system folder. Or, at least enough to begin testing to see if your apps work.
    I routinely do and A&I when I upgrade. Then I test all my apps (or at least the important ones and a sample of the lesser ones). I move the previous system folder to a spare disk and keep it around for a few weeks incase I need to copy something over (like fonts).
    BTW, I suspect your start up disk is out of space, not memory. Again backing stuff up, particularly on a laptop is a very sound idea and also allows you to manage your stuff better -- older stuff goes on the backup. Despite some problems, Time Machine works well for this as do a number of commercial products.

  • Post Leopard Installation - Transfer data from "Previous System" folder

    After the first attempt to install Leopard and got the evil blue screen, I had to reinstall my old Tiger from the original installation disks, then attempted a new installation of Leopard. This time I chose Archive and Install as one support article suggested, and chose Preserve user and network settings as instructed. This time the Leopard installation was successful, but now how do I retrieve my data (photos/itunes/mail)etc. from the "Previous System" folders?

    There should be no need to sync the files. A previous system folder happens when you do an archive and install, so what's in that folder is identical to what your Mac was when you last did one. Presumably you've changed a lot of things since then and wouldn't want to go back.
    Unless there are a few files you deleted and want back, then just copy them over. Then delete the entire thing, it's using up disk space.
    Kevin

  • Moving Previous systems folder

    I have just upgraded my OS to Tiger on a G3 Tower that only has 12 Gig. I did an archive and install, which I now regret, but I did it. Now I am out of disk space. The "previous system" folder is 2.75 gig and I have been trying to move it to my external drive. It takes forever to "prepare to move" roughly 33,000 files. Then, when it actually starts to move them, I get a "permissions" error and a choice of skipping them. I choose to skip them and the "move" terminates. How can I move this folder to my external drive?"
    Thank you.
    G3 Tower   Mac OS X (10.3.9)   Turqoise

    It is not necessary to move the entire Previous System. First delete the Apple apps and utilities from the Previous System, this will give you some space. The other Third Party apps and utilities have already been moved. Those found in the Previous System are not compatible.
    The entire old System folder can be trashed. Drivers for your hardware have been upgraded or moved to a current location.
    What you are most interested in are located in your Home folder. The Preferences for the Third Party applications can be moved from User/Preferences (previous) to User/Preferences (new).
    Do the same for the Preferences located in Library/Preferences
    Be sure to Fix Disk Permissions along the way.

  • Do I need "Previous System" folder?

    About a month and a half ago, had internet issues and upon consulting with an Apple rep, one of the things he had me do was reinstall OSX from the disk. Of course we used the "save previous system" option or whatever it's called. At this point, everything still appears to be fine on my system.
    My question is now the "previous system" folder remains on my Mac HD, and as it's taking up about 10gb of memory, I'd like to delete it. With everything running fine, is there any reason to keep it?
    Derek P

    In a word, no.
    As long as all your files are in the right places after the reinstall, I would see no reason to keep this any longer.

  • Trashing Previous System Folder??? Question

    Did a archive/install of OS about a week ago.. It was successful.]
    Fixed my corrupt issue/Everything is working great.
    I've reinstalled applications that I need to...
    I've checked to see that everything I want to be here now--is here.
    (Music, Photos, Documents, Bookmarks, etc.)---It's all here.
    My question is: Is it safe to trash the "Previous Systems" Folder?????
    It's presently sitting on my HD. It's (understandably) a big file---I'd like to toss it.
    Can I? Safely?
    Thanks for your help.

    jonnylovemac,
    Apple Says:
    You might wonder "What do I do with the Previous System folder?" It may contain items that you need. To determine this, once you've finished configuring, installing, and updating your applications, you can compare the Previous System to the new System. If there are things in the Previous System folder that aren't in the new System folder, copy them over or reinstall. If you're not sure what some items are (and don't seem to need them), leave them in the Previous System folder. Once you're comfortable that you've got everything you need out of it, you can delete the Previous System folder (or leave it around if you have enough free disk space).
    Based upon what you listed in your post, you can safely trash the Previous System folder.
    ;~)

Maybe you are looking for