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Recover local folder structure and emails AFTER deleting and then adding back AOL Tbird account

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  • Last reply by Matt

lite11
lite11
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I use Tbird in Imap "mode" on MacMini; due to AOL recent requirement for change to log in procedure for security reasons I followed AOL instructions AND now no longer see my extensive nested Local Folder structure and email contents (several thousand emails). I can see the Local Folder structure on my Macbook. My goal: Deal with AOL requirement for security AND keep my Local Folder structure. Details below:

1) AOL instructions: In account settings | Account Settings | Account Actions | Remove Account This was done leaving the unchecked Remove Message Data. Then go through Add Account steps (I had done screen captures of all of my settings. Add back AOL account went smoothly. I have NOT closed Tbird on MacMini, however while I see my Inbox; beneath Local Folders there is only Outbox, Trash, Drafts and Sent, BUT not the very extensive folder/subfolder structure with several thousand emails.)

2) Still on MacMini when left clicking on Local Folders message bar shows downloading 106 of 119 drafts, but seems to have hung there and gone no further.

3) On Mac laptop which has an insecure Tbird "interface" with AOL, I still see my entire Local Folder nested structure. 4) From Mac laptop Tbird I did make a copy of emails from Local Folder as root, but that seems to have saved each email (.eml) as a separate file rather than retaining its location in folder/subfolder structure.

5) I am pausing from doing anything so that I don't create more of a mess.

In advance, thank you so much for assistance.

I use Tbird in Imap "mode" on MacMini; due to AOL recent requirement for change to log in procedure for security reasons I followed AOL instructions AND now no longer see my extensive nested Local Folder structure and email contents (several thousand emails). I can see the Local Folder structure on my Macbook. '''My goal: Deal with AOL requirement for security AND keep my Local Folder structure.''' Details below: 1) AOL instructions: In account settings | Account Settings | Account Actions | Remove Account This was done leaving the unchecked Remove Message Data. Then go through Add Account steps (I had done screen captures of all of my settings. Add back AOL account went smoothly. I have NOT closed Tbird on MacMini, however while I see my Inbox; beneath Local Folders there is only Outbox, Trash, Drafts and Sent, BUT not the very extensive folder/subfolder structure with several thousand emails.) 2) Still on MacMini when left clicking on Local Folders message bar shows downloading 106 of 119 drafts, but seems to have hung there and gone no further. 3) On Mac laptop which has an insecure Tbird "interface" with AOL, I still see my entire Local Folder nested structure. 4) From Mac laptop Tbird I did make a copy of emails from Local Folder as root, but that seems to have saved each email (.eml) as a separate file rather than retaining its location in folder/subfolder structure. 5) I am pausing from doing anything so that I don't create more of a mess. In advance, thank you so much for assistance.

All Replies (1)

Matt
Matt
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The first glaring error is in that you do not and should not remove the account. I was aware they issued dud instructions for Yahoo users, but I did not know the stupidity extended to AOL as well.

All that is required is to access the account settings and change the authentication method to oauth2.

However if the old account was IMAP and the new is IMAP all mail should synchronize, but it might take time. I have no idea how much bandwidth Yahoo/AOL actually allow you to use in downloading mail each day. If you have an anti virus this can very negatively affect downloads of whole IMAP accounts of mail. The scanners are just not up to the task.