Backing up a MAC OS X Mail E-mail Folder

If the user stores their e-mail offline on their local hard drive, it is a good idea to create a backup copy of that e-mail folder. A backup is especially useful if the hard drive crashes, or when the user wants to transfer their e-mail to another computer. This document will discuss how to create a backup of the Mail e-mail folder on the MAC OS X platform.

Locating the e-mail folder

The first step to creating a backup of the e-mail folder is locating it. The default location is in your Home folder, in the Library folder, in the Mail folder. In the figure below, the window has been opened up to the location of the Mail folder.

If your Mail folder is not located here, perform a search on your local hard drive for Mail. Click on Mail in the results to see the path to its location. Navigate to the folder that contains the Mail folder.

Backup E-mail Folder

The Mail folder is the folder that you need to back up. Place a copy of this folder on external media (CD, floppy disk, zip drive, etc.) or place it on a secure server if you have access to one.

Getting Help

If you require further assistance, contact the ITS Help Desk by sending e-mail to help@hawaii.edu, calling 956-8883, or visiting the Clic lab in Sinclair library, or the computer labs in Keller Hall 105 or 213. Neighbor islands may call toll free (800) 558-2669.