Mail 2.1.1 recieves but doesn't send mail and gives no error message?

Question

I've an issue with mail on an I-Mac with 2 gig intel core duo running O/S 10.4.9 and mail app version 2.1.1. I was using the machine at my studio for a studio manager. I downsized the studio and gave that machine to my parents who have been using an old G4 I gave them running o/s X and using the mail app for all their e-mailing. I migrated their old system from the G4 to the I-mac via target mode and everything seemed to be working until they tried to type more than one word in the body of the e-mail. once you hit the space bar and try to type another word it just gives an error tone. Also they are not able to send mail but are able to recieve. There is absolutely no error message or tone when you hit send or hit the return key. It just does nothing and gives me no feedback. I have gone through all the settings from the old machine which is sending and recieving mail as it has for the last 3 years with out incidence. I've updated the software, verified and repaired the disk and permissions. They are using RCN as their ISP with a cable modem. Again the G4 is working as it should with the exact same settings that the I-mac is configured with. Is there some issue with the older intel machines? Any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks,
-Russ

Answer 1

This problem in Mail is usually caused by some Launch Services cache or preferences corruption that affects the built-in spell checker. The following article describes how to manually reset Launch Services — the notes at the bottom of the article also provide information about the side effects of deleting each of the files involved:
Resetting Launch Services
If you prefer using a cache cleaning utility instead of following the manual procedure described in the previous article, take a look at this other article for general troubleshooting and cache-cleaning procedures. Actually, you should also verify/repair the startup disk (not just permissions), as described there:
Resolving Disk, Permission, and Cache Corruption
The most appropriate utility for this particular problem probably is Tiger Cache Cleaner, but you may also want to consider other utilities, such as OnyX, or Cache Out X, which are free. Whatever utility you choose, be sure to read this first:
Side effects of System cache cleaning
As an example, this is how you should proceed with OnyX:
1. Quit all applications.
2. Launch OnyX and enter your administrator password.
3. Go to Maintenance > Reset and check LaunchServices database.
4. Un-check any other pre-checked options.
5. Click the Execute button.
6. Restart the computer.