Does removal of POP account also mean deletion of emails?

[komatsu]

On OS X mail apps, does the removal of a POP account in email client such as Mac Mail also mean the deletion of emails?

 

[AlliFlowers]

For the most part yes, since pop3 doesn't leave mail on the server unless requested. So if you've downloaded the mail from the pop3 server, it won't be available anywhere else.

 

[komatsu]

But, I'm talking about JUST removing the POP settings for example:
jjones@mail.com
mail.mailserver.com
mail.mailserver.com ...etc

Does this also remove the actual email messages from the email application?

 

[dan1eln1el5en]

yes, the mails are probably still on the mail server (if they support POP and IMAP then change to IMAP when possible) before attempting, do a back up (by moving them to the Mac folder in the right side bar)

 

[maflynn]

yes, the mails are probably still on

Will they be, if he was using POP, then the emails will have been downloaded from the server to his computer. I'm not so sure they will be on the server. If the service he uses allows for web access that's one way to see of they're there.

 

[AlliFlowers]

So check via webmail first to see if your mail actually exists on the server.

 

[BrianBaughn]

In Mac Mail, if you move your email to folders that are under "On My Mac" then you can safely remove the account and the emails will remain in Mail.

As has been said, what email remains on your server depends on what settings were in force when you were checking email.

Your "Sent" mail is probably only on your computer and not the server.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

If you simply disable the account - (Mail > Preferences > Accounts: Enable Account) you should be OK - it'll take the account offline but the mail archive remains. The danger is if you delete the actual mailbox(es) or remove the account from the account list.

But then, you do have a Time Machine backup, right?

 

[komatsu]

If you simply disable the account - (Mail > Preferences > Accounts: Enable Account) you should be OK - it'll take the account offline but the mail archive remains. The danger is if you delete the actual mailbox(es) or remove the account from the account list.

Great...that is the kind of setting I was looking for. Thanks AF and to all other posters on this thread.
Your input was appreciated!