Apple warns: Beware the SyncServices directory

By Laurie A. Duncan

And I quote:


Mac OS X 10.4: Stay away from the SyncServices folder
As if it were a swarm of bees, you should stay away from the SyncServices folder in Mac OS X 10.4. Removing or modifying anything in it (or in subfolders within it) may cause unexpected issues. (This folder, just so you know, is located in your Application Support folder, in your Library folder, in your Home folder.)

Changing things in the SyncServices folder may cause unexpected results such as:

  • Duplicate contacts in Address Book or appointments in iCal.
  • Data loss in Address Book or iCal.

Important: Any lost data or duplicate contacts could propagate to your devices through iSync, or to other computers through .Mac sync, if you sync afterwards—data could be lost on other computers.

Yes, Apple has likened the SyncServices folder to a swarm of bees. How cute.

MacFixit, on the other hand, advises that if iSync 2.0 is giving you endless grief and not recognizing your device, deleting the SyncServices folder (or the contents of it) may be your only hope.

Choose wisely, grasshopper. (And don't ever delete anything without backing it up first!)
 

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