Unable to export emails from Mail - what do I do?

[jclin10]

I've been trying to export emails from Mail so that I can move them to a new computer. I'm able to export and then import to the new computer, but for some reason, all of the emails are clumped together with a random date (instead of the original dates when they were sent or received). Somehow, the time/date stamps aren't correct. I've worked with a local computer tech company and they aren't sure what the issue is.

One solution that they offered was to simply migrate everything from the old computer to a new computer, but that's a hassle because it means redoing my computer altogether.

Does anyone know if I can migrate or transfer the Mail content only and not all of the apps, data, content, etc. from my entire computer? I'm trying to do this as pain-free as possible!

 

[ipaqrat]

• Yes, the Migration tool permits selecting troves of data and settings to transfer,with/without apps, with/without files. I found the Migration Assistant didn't work with ethernet, despite options that seemed like it would 🤷‍♂️; it worked over wifi, though.
  • Note that text/xml-based mail and settings are tiny compared to batches of media and giant content projects.
  • One time, when I used the MA for a full migration, including media and apps, over wifi, it took from 11 PM until 6 AM to complete.
  • I have also used TimeMachine backups to do migrations, sometimes just data or settings, sometimes with full media. Obviously, using an SSD connected to USB-3 or USB-C is dramatically faster.
• Yes, you can simply copy the eMail database (folder) to the new Mac. The mail app should prolly be the same version on source and destination Macs, though I have crossed versions successfully. I do this when borrowing Macs (evaluation lab rats or service loaners), and when setting up a new Mac sans migration tools.
  • https://www.lifewire.com/find-and-open-stored-attachments-1172808
  • Early on with OS X, I learned to run all the apps once on the destination Mac/Profile, which gets the folder structure set up. THEN disable all synch/automation. THEN take the machine off-line. THEN overwrite with the database (folder) entirely from the source. When you restart the mail app, stored mail should look exactly the same as the source.
  • Same method works for Apple Music, too, including migrating your media content back and forth to/from Windows iTunes.
  • Contacts and Calendar and Notes, too, though I haven't tried these lately, since Apple got online synch working, because wife and I synch our iPhones together.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Is the new Mac set up and running now?
Or... is this something that is going to happen in the future?

WHY I asked.
When setting up a new Mac for the very first time, it's usually easiest to use setup assistant (which runs the very first time a Mac is booted) to "migrate" your accounts, data, perhaps apps, from a good backup drive.

Are you planning to do this?
Or... do you want "a completely fresh" start-over?

 

[brofkand]

Do the emails not exist on the IMAP server?

 

[ipaqrat]

Do the emails not exist on the IMAP server?

crossed my mind, too. Presumed awareness on OP's part. Question would certainly apply to me. I use IMAP, but manually download what matters to local archive mailboxes (folders), which amounts to very little, overall, even over 3+ decades (F, I'm old!). In some accounts, I still use POP with auto-delete from server. I try to leave little to nothing on mail servers. It's a slight hassle, with the phone taking possession of some mail.

At one point, when Windows was way worse then today, I used to use eMail only on a virtual machine, then periodically transfer data via .PST files. Same theory as with Apple Mail, vis-a-vis porting mail from place to place. Even after all this time, Windows (and sometimes Mac) still get punkd by simple **** like kiosk mode!

 

[Fishrrman]

OP hasn't replied at all.

So I'll offer this (you may want to print this for reference):
1. Get an external USB drive (can be SSD or HDD), or even a good-sized USB flashdrive.
The size depends on how large the "Mail" folder is, keep reading.

2. On your "source" Mac (the one you're copying the emails FROM) -- connect the drive.
Now, go to home/Library
See the folder named "Mail" ??
COPY THE ENTIRE FOLDER to the external drive.

(to be sure the folder will "fit", click ONE time on the "Mail" folder, then type "command-i" to get info on it, and check the total size)

3. Take the drive to the NEW Mac (the one to which you want to import the emails)

4. Connect the drive and let the icon mount on the desktop, but DON'T OPEN THE ICON yet.

5. Click ONE TIME on the icon to select it, then bring up the "get info" for it (you can again type "command-i").

6. At the bottom of the get info box, click the lock icon and enter the password you're using on the NEW Mac.

7. Put a checkmark into "ignore ownership on this volume" (sharing and permissions). Then close get info. (this over-rides any permissions issues between Macs and accounts)

8. Open Mail.app. Go to the file menu and choose "import mailboxes..."

9. Mail will now ask WHAT KIND of emails you want to import.
I'd try "Apple Mail" first.
Click continue.

10. Now a standard "open" dialog box appears, asking FROM WHERE you wish to import. Navigate to the "Mail" folder on the external drive and click "choose", and see if that works for you.

I think this should do it -- just import everything.

BUT BE AWARE:
All this stuff may go into an "imported mail" folder in the "on my Mac" section of Mail.app.
It's going to be UP TO YOU to sort it out and re-arrange it as needed.

Good luck.

 

[jclin10]

Thanks everyone! The new computer has already been set up and I can't access IMAP. That would have been easy and I could have just downloaded everything to the new computer, but my old workplace won't let me do that. I'm basically just trying to get what I had previously downloaded from one computer to the other, preserving as much of the original format as possible.

 

[BrianBaughn]

You're wanting to put your personal emails onto a restricted work computer?

 

[jclin10]

No. I’m wanting to move some old work emails onto my personal computer.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Have you tried what I suggested in reply 6 above?