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Question

password for Mac mail

Mar 24, 2012 7:46PM PDT

Hi,
While entering a password to enter the mail app. in Mac, everyone can see all mail conversations.
Is it possible to set the password window to appear before entering the application?

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Intruding here.
Mar 24, 2012 8:04PM PDT

I'm a Windows user and know very little about Macs, but I saw your post and since the question is a generalized one about emails, thought to intrude.

I'm not entirely sure what you intend to achieve here. I'm not being obtuse or insensitive, so I apologise if that is how I sound.

You say everyone can see your emails. Can you define "everyone"? Are you in a situation where people are looking over your shoulder all the time? If so, then no matter when you input the login details, people are going to be able to see your emails when the email software opens.

Or do you mean that anyone can open the email software on this computer when you are not around, and so look at your emails and conversations?

If so then I would ask, is your Mac account for this computer password protected? I honestly don't know if that is an option in Mac OSes. It is in Windows and that is how we protect personal information and files from prying eyes. We know not to leave a Windows machine unattended without either shutting it down or letting it sleep or hibernate, such that when we return, we need to re-enter the Windows' account password to get back in.

Is this not possible with you?

Mark

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Answer
Mark has some valid questions and I have to agree
Mar 25, 2012 12:45AM PDT

that your post is somewhat confusing.

I have never been asked to enter a password to use the Mail app.
What may be happening is that the password that is stored in your Keychain app is not the correct one for your email account and, when the app goes out to access the email server of your ISP, the request for mail is rejected because of a bad password. At that point, the Mail app will ask you to enter a password. When you do, it also asks if you want to store that password in your KeyChain. You should put the checkmark in that box.

If you can then successfully access your in/out mail, then you should go to the Mail Preferences/Accounts > Account Info tab, and put that, correct, password in to the password field. From that point on, Mail will not ask for a password.

Now, if you are concerned that others can access your computer when you are not present, you should ensure that the computer does NOT Autologon. This will require you to enter a password before you can log onto your computer. You will find that option in the System Preferences > Users & Groups. Choose Login Options at the bottom left of the window and turn OFF Automatic login.
Now go to the Security & Privacy Preference Pane and put a check mark in "Require Password Immediately after Sleep or Screen saver begins.
Lastly, go to the Desktop & Screen Saver Preference Pane and set the time you want the Screen Saver to start AND configure a Hot Corner.
Now when you step away from your computer, move the mouse to the Hot Corner that you configured and the screen saver will start. Your machine is now locked. No more inquisitive eyes on your email.
To move from one System Pane to another, just click the Show All button at the top of any Preference Pane.

Is that what you wanted to know?

P