.Mac synchronization issues (#2): Issue resolved for many; more

We previously reported issues with iDisk synchronization after Apple performed some .Mac "system maintenance" over the weekend. To recap: for most users experiencing this issue, large chunks of data (or all data stored) are gone, and have been replaced by empty folders. Some users have found that deleting the local iDisk returns a view of what is stored on Apple's servers, but further attempts to synchronize a local iDisk via the Preference panel renders empty folders on the local Mac.

One reader's example:

"Monday and Tuesday I had sync errors, then Wednesday I was up and running, but then a couple of the files I had been working on became corrupted, specifically an Illustrator CS file and a few other files. Needless to say, I lost a lot of work and it is quite upsetting, why did Apple have to mess with something that was working? I contacted the .Mac support site, but I have yet to receive an answer from them. I have three macs (Dual 1.8G5 PowerMac, 1.8G5 iMac and G3 iBook) at different locations, and the iDisk was a great way to be able to work on the most current files at any location."

Fortunately, it appears that for most readers (some are still experiencing problems), this issue has been resolved because of modifications made on Apple's end.

MacFixIt reader Glenn MacCullough writes:

"Yes, I've had sync problems all week. I've had various errors -49, -44, etc. and .mac will re-sync my entire iDisk (supposedly over 500 items, most of which I have never heard of) over and over, only to tell me there is a problem syncing. My folders were inaccessible for awhile, but they seem to be back now."

Some users are noticing that the issue was resolved after they installed Security Update 2005-001. However, this is likely a coincidence as a number of readers also reported resolution without applying the update.

MacFixIt reader Bill Fuller, for instance, writes:

"I had the .Mac sync problems described on your web page, including lost data, continual problems with errors that interrupted other work popping up and telling me that certain files/folders couldn't be deleted because they were in use, which they were not.

"My first attempt to resolve the issue on my own was to delete the local iDisk and recreate it. [...] My next attempt to resolve the problem involved clearing every known cache and rebooting my machine. This accomplished nothing. I installed the most recent security update last night, and after the required reboot, .Mac sync has been working perfectly. I suspect it was the one more reboot rather than the security update that finally resolved the problem."

If you are still experiencing problems with iDisk synchronization, please drop us a line at late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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