I deleted an Exchange email account from my MacBook and cannot reinstall- keep getting the following message - The operation couldn’t be completed. (com.apple.accounts error 3.)

Question

I deleted an Exchange email account from my MacBook and cannot reinstall- keep getting the following message - The operation couldn’t be completed. (com.apple.accounts error 3.)

Answer 1

The error message you are encountering, "The operation couldn’t be completed. (com.apple.accounts error 3)," typically indicates an issue with the account settings or the way the account was removed from your MacBook. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

1. Restart Your Mac: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary issues.
2. Check System Preferences: Go to System Preferences > Internet Accounts and ensure that the Exchange account is completely removed. If it still appears, try removing it again.
3. Reset Account Settings: If the account is not listed but you still face issues, you may need to reset your account settings. This can involve deleting related files in the Library folder:
   • Open Finder, then press Command + Shift + G to open the "Go to Folder" dialog.
   • Enter ~/Library/Accounts and look for any files related to your Exchange account. Delete them if they exist.
4. Reinstall Office: If you are using Microsoft Office to manage your Exchange account, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling Office for Mac. This can help reset any configurations that might be causing the issue.
5. Check for Updates: Ensure that your macOS and any related applications are up to date, as updates can fix bugs and improve compatibility.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to consult Apple's support documentation or contact their support team for further assistance.

Answer 2

Hi @Peter Clayton 

Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A forum.  

Based on my research, there have been multiple recent reports from both the Microsoft Q&A forum and Apple’s forum describing the same behavior you’re experiencing. 

This issue may be related to Message ID MC1226189, titled “Action Required: Update active Exchange Web Services Applications.” Microsoft has shared that they are currently working with Apple to complete the necessary updates for the EAS application. 

As a temporary workaround, you can continue accessing your mailbox using the Outlook for Mac application until the underlying update is fully completed. 

For more details, you may want to contact your IT administrator so they can review the full message in the Message Center in the Microsoft Admin Center. 

I’ve also tested adding an Exchange Online account through Internet Accounts on my Mac test device, and it was added successfully. With that in mind, could you confirm whether you are able to add the Exchange account back in your environment, or are you still seeing the same error? 

I hope this provides some additional insight. I would also appreciate it if you could share an update at your convenience. 

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