Mac OS X 10.4.9 Special Report: Mail.app: junk filters not working

Some users have reported problems with the Mail.app junk filter after updating to Mac OS X 10.4.9.

MacFixIt reader Matt writes:

"Since I updated to Mac OS X 10.4.9 my junk mail filters in Mail don't seem to work at all. Prior to the update they were very thorough and I had custom rules that performed actions such as putting messages with .gif attachments directly into junk. Now it seems that all junk is placed in the inbox."

In some cases, this issue can be solved via the following simple steps:

1. Launch Mail.app and turn of automatic e-mail checking routines if present
2. Go to the Preferences item under the "Mail" menu
3. Click on the "Junk Mail" icon
4. Click the "Reset" button

Index:

• Release notes
• Update procedure recommendation
• Common workarounds for when things go wrong post-update
• Downgrading to Mac OS X 10.4.8 (uninstalling Mac OS X 10.4.9)
• Files modified by this update

• AirPort: Loss of connectivity, card not recognized, more
• Application launch problems
• Bluetooth device issues
• Classic: Will not run, other issues
• Disk images not mounting
• Eject key issues: Longer duration before action takes place
• External optical drives: hardware errors
• Final Cut Pro/Express: Capture issues, performance concerns
• Finder persistently crashes and re-launches
• iSync issues/general synchronization problems
• Mail.app: junk filters not working
• Microsoft Office: Various issues
• Networking problems with Mac OS 9 systems
• Persistent booting into Windows
• Printer problems, fixes
• Problems starting up
• Resolved issues
• Secure site access broken: fixes
• Segmentation faults
• Third-party device issues (Nikon Capture NX, Griffin AirClick, more)
• Update to Final Cut Pro 5.1.4 for best performance
• Volume significantly louder: boon for some, drawback for others
• VPN connectivity issues
• WWAN update included, how to remove

Resources