I have recently had the EXACT SAME experience. The reply to this email from
the Mac MVP in August does not seem to be the solution. This happened during
or as a result of an update from Microsoft. I am NOT running antivirus
software at all. I did try to import the data but it could not be found -
there were no settings whatsoever left in the software. I had to set it all up
from scratch. My entire address book is gone and a huge amount of email in
many folders. I took the computer to the Apple Store and they were not able to
find my data at all. No one I have talked to had ever heard of such a problem.
I have been advised not to use Entourage anymore but I really would like to
stay with Entourage and get my data back. It was not in the trash. Also, the
email on the Comcast server was gone because once it is deleted from this
computer, it is deleted from the server. I could only get the email after Feb
18th which is about the time it happened. I am now afraid to run Microsoft
updates!
Normally, when Entourage starts up with a new Identity with no emails, it's
user error. In rare cases it vanishes during an update. I had this happen to
me with an iMovie file.
Sometimes when this happens you can find it in 'lost & found', but it can
just vanish. This is what backups are far....disasters.
How to find your data basics:
Entourage expects the folder to be in your Documents folder. For OS X users,
that's the Documents folder in your User's folder. When Entourage opens in a
new blank Identity, it's usually User error.
Most likely you have accidentally moved your data. Hopefully, you have not
deleted the file. If you have deleted the trash, it's gone. Sorry!
Select Switch Identity (under Entourage in the Menu bar) and see if your old
identity is still listed.
To find your old database, search for "Microsoft User Data" (without the
quotes).
If you have not used a new identity in Entourage, then copy the entire
Microsoft User Data folder to the correct location.
Fix if you have more than one Microsoft User Data Folder...
Move the entire identity folder you want to use to the Office Identities
folder that Entourage is recognizing. Your identity is named "Main" by
default. Be sure to rename one so you do not overwrite. Your identity folder
can contain more than one identity. Switch Identities to view your old mail.
If you have not used the new identity, delete it. If you have used it and
want to combine the new mail with your original database, drag each folder
to the desktop from one identity. This creates an MBOX file. Switch
identities. Drag the MBOX files into the folder window of Entourage.
You can delete the old folder after you are satisfied with the transfer.
Sometimes updating software (including the OS) can cause problems where
files go missing. See this link for help finding 'lost' files.
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http://www.entourage.mvps.org/troubleshoot/crashes.html#crash15>
