"action could not be completed"

[Sue Donum]

Entourage suddenly quit. When I opened it again a short while later, it
seemed to be fine (no surprise...it's happened before). However, when I
checked my Inbox folder, most of the messages that were there before were
gone, and I immediately received an alert stating that the "action could not
be completed" (words to that effect), and it referenced "error 4362" (or was
it 4352??...I don't recall). I quit Entourage, and reopened it. Moments
later, all of my Inbox messages reappeared.

Does any of this make sense?

 

[Sue Donum]

Entourage suddenly quit. When I opened it again a short while later, it
seemed to be fine (no surprise...it's happened before). However, when I
checked my Inbox folder, most of the messages that were there before were
gone, and I immediately received an alert stating that the "action could not
be completed" (words to that effect), and it referenced "error 4362" (or was
it 4352??...I don't recall). I quit Entourage, and reopened it. Moments
later, all of my Inbox messages reappeared.

Does any of this make sense?

Well, it just happened again (most of my Inbox messages vanished), except
this time there was no error message.

 

[Diane Ross]

Entourage suddenly quit. When I opened it again a short while later, it
seemed to be fine (no surprise...it's happened before). However, when I
checked my Inbox folder, most of the messages that were there before were
gone, and I immediately received an alert stating that the "action could not
be completed" (words to that effect), and it referenced "error 4362" (or was
it 4352??...I don't recall). I quit Entourage, and reopened it. Moments
later, all of my Inbox messages reappeared.

Error 4362 indicates your database is damaged.

How to rebuild:

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/database/rebuild.html>

In the future you can look up errors here for quick help:

Error Page <http://www.entourage.mvps.org/error/number.html>

 

[Sue Donum]

Error 4362 indicates your database is damaged.

How to rebuild:

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/database/rebuild.html>

In the future you can look up errors here for quick help:

Error Page <http://www.entourage.mvps.org/error/number.html>

Thank you Diane...I don't know why it didn't occur to me to simply look up
the error message!

Anyway, I verified that the database was damaged, and I rebuilt it. When I
then opened Entourage, all of my folders and their messages appeared, but I
found that there were several hundred duplicate messages in many of my
folders. (This has happened before after I've had problems with Entourage,
especially after rebuilding the database. It's just an annoying pain in the
butt to have to go through each folder to cull out the duplicates.)
However, I now have a couple of new problems.

First, my entire microsoft.public.mac.office.entourage folder (which
previously was a subfolder under the Microsoft News Server folder) vanished;
simultaneously, a "new" news server folder appeared, entitled "No-Spam
Microsoft News Server." It contains exactly the same newsgroup list that
appears in the Microsoft News Server folder. It's kinda obvious to me that
this new "No-Spam Microsoft News Server" folder was somehow created as a
result of my having previously set up a "fake no-spam account" last month.

After re-establishing my microsoft.public.mac.office.entourage subfolder
under the Microsoft News Server folder, I clicked on a header to download
the messages. Whereas before the rebuild, I had every message that I had
received since subscribing to the group many weeks ago, now only the
messages from this past week are present. I tried to fix it by changing the
number of headers from the default setting of 300 to 500 in
Tools‹>Accounts‹>News‹>Options‹>Server Options, but it didn't make a
difference...I still only have a week's worth of messages.

Two questions:

1. How can I get back those older messages and, in general, how do I manage
any messages I receive (i.e., how do I set a limit on how many messages
remain in my microsoft.public.mac.office.entourage subfolder, so that I
don't accumulate stuff until the next millennium)?

2. It became evident to me that by subscribing to this newsgroup within the
"No-Spam Microsoft News Server," it becomes easier to post messages, because
it automatically chooses my "no-spam" account (previously, I had to manually
select it before submitting each post). However, I now have duplicate
microsoft.public.mac.office.entourage subfolders (one in each of the two
News Server folders). How do I delete one of those
microsoft.public.mac.office.entourage subfolders?

 

[Mickey Stevens]

I verified that the database was damaged, and I rebuilt it. When I
then opened Entourage, all of my folders and their messages appeared, but I
found that there were several hundred duplicate messages in many of my
folders. (This has happened before after I've had problems with Entourage,
especially after rebuilding the database. It's just an annoying pain in the
butt to have to go through each folder to cull out the duplicates.)
However, I now have a couple of new problems.

First, my entire microsoft.public.mac.office.entourage folder (which
previously was a subfolder under the Microsoft News Server folder) vanished;
simultaneously, a "new" news server folder appeared, entitled "No-Spam
Microsoft News Server." It contains exactly the same newsgroup list that
appears in the Microsoft News Server folder. It's kinda obvious to me that
this new "No-Spam Microsoft News Server" folder was somehow created as a
result of my having previously set up a "fake no-spam account" last month.

After re-establishing my microsoft.public.mac.office.entourage subfolder
under the Microsoft News Server folder, I clicked on a header to download
the messages. Whereas before the rebuild, I had every message that I had
received since subscribing to the group many weeks ago, now only the
messages from this past week are present. I tried to fix it by changing the
number of headers from the default setting of 300 to 500 in
Tools‹>Accounts‹>News‹>Options‹>Server Options, but it didn't make a
difference...I still only have a week's worth of messages.

Two questions:

1. How can I get back those older messages

Under the View menu, select "Get More News Messages" when you have the
newsgroup open. That will download more messages that are still available
on the server. However, remember that messages only stay on the Microsoft
News Server for a fixed number of weeks, so you won't be able to see all
that have ever been posted.

and, in general, how do I manage
any messages I receive (i.e., how do I set a limit on how many messages
remain in my microsoft.public.mac.office.entourage subfolder, so that I
don't accumulate stuff until the next millennium)?

You can't really adjust those settings. When you download headers from the
newsgroup by opening it, by default those headers will stay in the newsgroup
cache until they expire from the server. What you can do is reset your
cache for all newsgroups by Control-clicking the news server in the folder
list.

To archive messages for future reference so that you have them after they
expire from the news server, you should make a copy in your Entourage
database. I have a folder under "Folders on My Computer" called "Archived
News Messages" where I copy messages from newsgroups. If you create such a
folder, you can simply drag messages there to copy them for permanent
reference.

2. It became evident to me that by subscribing to this newsgroup within the
"No-Spam Microsoft News Server," it becomes easier to post messages, because
it automatically chooses my "no-spam" account (previously, I had to manually
select it before submitting each post). However, I now have duplicate
microsoft.public.mac.office.entourage subfolders (one in each of the two
News Server folders). How do I delete one of those
microsoft.public.mac.office.entourage subfolders?

You can go to Tools > Accounts to delete a news server under the appropriate
tab. Also, you can delete a subscribed group "subfolder" by clicking the
news server, locating the group, and pressing the "Unsubscribe" toolbar
button.

 

[Sue Donum]

Under the View menu, select "Get More News Messages" when you have the
newsgroup open. That will download more messages that are still available
on the server. However, remember that messages only stay on the Microsoft
News Server for a fixed number of weeks, so you won't be able to see all
that have ever been posted.

Well, it seems weird, since until this happened, I had messages that went
back many, many weeks (at least, I think I did). Is it just a coincidence
that the older-than-1-week messages suddenly expired? (How often does the
server go through such a "refresh," and how far back (in time) does it go at
each "refresh?")

You can't really adjust those settings. When you download headers from the
newsgroup by opening it, by default those headers will stay in the newsgroup
cache until they expire from the server. What you can do is reset your
cache for all newsgroups by Control-clicking the news server in the folder
list.

I don't understand...what exactly happens when one rests the cache? And how
is such a rest related to changing the number of headers via
Tools‹>Accounts‹>News‹>Options‹>Server Options?

To archive messages for future reference so that you have them after they
expire from the news server, you should make a copy in your Entourage
database. I have a folder under "Folders on My Computer" called "Archived
News Messages" where I copy messages from newsgroups. If you create such a
folder, you can simply drag messages there to copy them for permanent
reference.

Good to know...I'll get in the habit of doing that.

You can go to Tools > Accounts to delete a news server under the appropriate
tab. Also, you can delete a subscribed group "subfolder" by clicking the
news server, locating the group, and pressing the "Unsubscribe" toolbar
button.

Wow! Thanks...that worked beautifully. (Hmmm...perhaps I should've been able
to figure that one out!)

 

[Sue Donum]

I forgot to ask: Is there a way of dealing with such duplicate messages,
besides the obvious one-by-one manual deletion exercise?

 

[Diane Ross]

I forgot to ask: Is there a way of dealing with such duplicate messages,
besides the obvious one-by-one manual deletion exercise?

Yes. To get rid of duplicates use one of the scripts to remove duplicates.

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/faq_topic/duplicates.html>

Remove Duplicate Messages Author: Jolly Roger

This script uses a thorough method of examining message
headers that guarantees it won't mistakenly mark two messages that
happen to have the same subject as duplicates.

This script takes a _lot_ more time than the other scripts. I've used them
all with no problems.

Sue, from what you are saying, you might want to consider creating a new
Identity. I know the rebuild worked, but from what you are saying I'm a bit
suspicious of the integrity of your data. Using the Entourage archive (.rge)
file is quick.

How to manually move your data. (when import fails and/or you need to move
to a new Identity same version or revert to an older version) There are
links to movies that will help you.

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/install/manual_install.html>

If you select to stay with your current Identity, I would backup often and
keep snapshots.

Entourage and Time-Machine-like backup (creates chronological backup of
Identity can be used by both Tiger and Leopard allowing you to roll back to
previous dated backups.

<http://blog.entourage.mvps.org/2008/01/entourage_and_time_machine.html>

 

[Mickey Stevens]

Well, it seems weird, since until this happened, I had messages that went
back many, many weeks (at least, I think I did). Is it just a coincidence
that the older-than-1-week messages suddenly expired? (How often does the
server go through such a "refresh," and how far back (in time) does it go at
each "refresh?")

This actually wasn't a server refresh, it sounds. When you rebuild the
database in Entourage, the cache of newsgroup messages stored on your
computer for quick access is deleted. Then, when you re-open the newsgroup,
it will by default download as many of the most recent posts as you have
specified in the Accounts window. You can then download additional messages
by using the "More" toolbar button or the "Get More News Messages" menu
option.

I don't understand...what exactly happens when one rests the cache? And how
is such a rest related to changing the number of headers via
Tools‹>Accounts‹>News‹>Options‹>Server Options?

Resetting the cache means that the newsgroup messages are deleted from the
database. It has the same effect as rebuilding the database.

 

[Sue Donum]

Yes. To get rid of duplicates use one of the scripts to remove duplicates.

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/faq_topic/duplicates.html>

Remove Duplicate Messages Author: Jolly Roger

This script uses a thorough method of examining message
headers that guarantees it won't mistakenly mark two messages that
happen to have the same subject as duplicates.

This script takes a _lot_ more time than the other scripts. I've used them
all with no problems.

Sue, from what you are saying, you might want to consider creating a new
Identity. I know the rebuild worked, but from what you are saying I'm a bit
suspicious of the integrity of your data. Using the Entourage archive (.rge)
file is quick.

How to manually move your data. (when import fails and/or you need to move
to a new Identity same version or revert to an older version) There are
links to movies that will help you.

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/install/manual_install.html>

If you select to stay with your current Identity, I would backup often and
keep snapshots.

Entourage and Time-Machine-like backup (creates chronological backup of
Identity can be used by both Tiger and Leopard allowing you to roll back to
previous dated backups.

<http://blog.entourage.mvps.org/2008/01/entourage_and_time_machine.html>

Thanks, Diane.

I'm not sure what it is that makes you think I should create a new Identity,
but I'm inclined to think there may be something to it, as I continue to be
plagued by odd problems. (As an example -- and it's only one of several --
just today suddenly one of my folders indicated that it contains one unread
message...but when I clicked on Message‹>Mark All as Read, it doesn't
change. And when I went through each of the messages in the folder, I found
(as I suspected) they all are indeed messages that I have read. So,
obviously, there is something wrong.)

I took a quick look at
<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/import_export/manual_04_08.html>, and at
first glance, it seems a bit intimidating. But I'll review it in more
detail, and give it a try.

 

[Sue Donum]

While others may be faster, it's mostly because they examine fewer
properties of messages (only the subject in most cases) to determine if
they are considered duplicates. This means if you happen to have
multiple messages with the same subject that actually have different
content, they will be deleted by these faster scripts.

For instance let's say you happen to send weekly status reports to your
boss with the subject "Weekly Status". Would you want all but one of
them to be deleted? Nope. My script won't delete such messages, while
other scripts might! If you decide to use other "remove duplicates"
scripts because they are faster, proceed with caution. ; )

I'm embarrassed to admit, but even after all of these years, I've never
delved into scripts, so it's new territory for me. I guess it's about time I
learned, huh?

 

[Sue Donum]

This actually wasn't a server refresh, it sounds. When you rebuild the
database in Entourage, the cache of newsgroup messages stored on your
computer for quick access is deleted. Then, when you re-open the newsgroup,
it will by default download as many of the most recent posts as you have
specified in the Accounts window. You can then download additional messages
by using the "More" toolbar button or the "Get More News Messages" menu
option.

Yes, but it's clear that many of the "older" messages are irretrievable.

Resetting the cache means that the newsgroup messages are deleted from the
database. It has the same effect as rebuilding the database.

OK...that's good to know. Thanks, Mickey

 

[Diane Ross]

I'm embarrassed to admit, but even after all of these years, I've never
delved into scripts, so it's new territory for me. I guess it's about time I
learned, huh?

You're in luck. I recently started lessons for using AppleScripts. Remember
you don't have to write them to use them.

<http://blog.entourage.mvps.org/2008/07/using_applescripts_with_entourage.ht
ml>

In case the above link does not work:

http://tinyurl.com/5gpjyk

 

[Diane Ross]

I'm not sure what it is that makes you think I should create a new Identity,
but I'm inclined to think there may be something to it, as I continue to be
plagued by odd problems.

Be sure to keep regular backups and that includes snapshots. If your
database does go belly up you might need to go back in time to get a
database that you can use.

 

[Sue Donum]

You're in luck. I recently started lessons for using AppleScripts. Remember
you don't have to write them to use them.

<http://blog.entourage.mvps.org/2008/07/using_applescripts_with_entourage.ht
ml>

In case the above link does not work:

http://tinyurl.com/5gpjyk

Thank you Diane...I wasn't even aware of the blog!

 

[Sue Donum]

Be sure to keep regular backups and that includes snapshots. If your
database does go belly up you might need to go back in time to get a
database that you can use.

Yesterday, I made a copy of my entire Identity, and I will continue to do so
on a daily basis until I resolve the problems I've been having.

But what do you mean by "snapshot?"

 

[Diane Ross]

But what do you mean by "snapshot?"

If you just keep the most recent copy of your database, you cannot go back
in time to see another snapshot of your data.

This is most useful when you have inadvertently backed up a file that is
damaged or unreadable, but say two weeks ago was fine. With the snapshot
feature you can go back in time to a session where the file is undamaged and
replace it.

This is the same strategy that Time Machine uses.

Often Entourage's database will seem OK, but at some time you start
experiencing real problems and try to rebuild. The rebuild fails so you need
to revert to a copy that can be rebuilt. You might be able to get a recent
one to open and can salvage data, but it will not rebuild and this requires
you to create a new Identity. I've heard of cases where a user had to go
back several months to get a good database.

Tip: as long as Entourage can be opened, you can salvage data manually. If
Entourage will not open and a rebuild will not complete you usually loose
all your data. I have seen cases where you can rebuild on a different
computer. I offer a service for Entourage users to try a rebuild when they
are unable with their current physical setup. From experience, you do not
want to spend the time recovering data. It's very time consuming.

 

[Sue Donum]

If you just keep the most recent copy of your database, you cannot go back
in time to see another snapshot of your data.

This is most useful when you have inadvertently backed up a file that is
damaged or unreadable, but say two weeks ago was fine. With the snapshot
feature you can go back in time to a session where the file is undamaged and
replace it.

This is the same strategy that Time Machine uses.

Often Entourage's database will seem OK, but at some time you start
experiencing real problems and try to rebuild. The rebuild fails so you need
to revert to a copy that can be rebuilt. You might be able to get a recent
one to open and can salvage data, but it will not rebuild and this requires
you to create a new Identity. I've heard of cases where a user had to go
back several months to get a good database.

Tip: as long as Entourage can be opened, you can salvage data manually. If
Entourage will not open and a rebuild will not complete you usually loose
all your data. I have seen cases where you can rebuild on a different
computer. I offer a service for Entourage users to try a rebuild when they
are unable with their current physical setup. From experience, you do not
want to spend the time recovering data. It's very time consuming.

Well, it sounds like you're saying that I should make *very* regular backups
-- say, daily. But (again) I don't quite understand what a "snapshot" is,
and how it differs from a backup.

 

[Diane Ross]

Well, it sounds like you're saying that I should make *very* regular backups
-- say, daily. But (again) I don't quite understand what a "snapshot" is,
and how it differs from a backup.

Let's say you make daily backups. At the end of the week, you delete them
all but one. Every couple of months you delete all weekly and keep a monthly
backup. Now if something goes wrong, you can go back in time to find a
snapshot of your data at that point in time that actually works.

This method gives you a few daily backups to test then if those fail, weekly
and at worst case scenario, monthly.

Even keeping one yearly, might not be a bad idea. I always find that as soon
as I get rid of anything, I find I need it. This applies to everything.

 

[Sue Donum]

Thanks, Diane.

I'm not sure what it is that makes you think I should create a new Identity,
but I'm inclined to think there may be something to it, as I continue to be
plagued by odd problems. (As an example -- and it's only one of several --
just today suddenly one of my folders indicated that it contains one unread
message...but when I clicked on Message‹>Mark All as Read, it doesn't
change. And when I went through each of the messages in the folder, I found
(as I suspected) they all are indeed messages that I have read. So,
obviously, there is something wrong.)

I took a quick look at
<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/import_export/manual_04_08.html>, and at
first glance, it seems a bit intimidating. But I'll review it in more
detail, and give it a try.

Hi.

I've been away for a while.


I continue to have database problems. In the past week, I've had to rebuild
it several times. Each time I get everything back, but my rules continue not
to work at all. In addition, I happened to notice that in the Main Identity
folder, there was not only my "Database" file, but also an "Old Database"
file. And after the last rebuild, I also found another database file, "Old
Database 2." I never saw those when I did rebuilds before.

I really would like to (need to) create a new Identity. But I don't
understand how to do it. You said that I need to "manually move" my data.
But even after reading through
<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/install/manual_install.html>, I still don't
get it. Are there any other explanations and instructions you can point me
to?

(Sorry for being so dumb.)