My husband and I “share” custody of an iPad.  He purchased it; I get visitation rights.  This division works well, since my mobile communication needs are met by my iPhone and laptop.

Even so, the iPad is near and dear to my heart, and like many users I considered it virus-free (or as close to virus-free as any device with Internet access can get).  Recent problems with our Mail program have changed my mind.

Every time we tried to launch the Mail app, it would abruptly close.  All the other apps were functioning.  Just before this symptom appeared, my husband reported that he was unable to delete a spam message we had received.

If you suspect your iPad has a virus, the published recommendation is to re-sync with iTunes.  We tried re-syncing.  Twice.  We also tried a hard reset (powering the iPad off, then back on.)   No go.

A little more background:  We download mail to two desktops, my iPhone, and my husband’s iPad.  My iPhone was working fine, so were our desktops.  We ran anti virus/anti malware scans just to be safe – our desktops passed with flying colors.

Now what?  We tried searching the forums, but decided to cut to the chase.  So it was Apple Care to the rescue!  If your mail isn’t functioning and you suspect a virus:

1. Delete the spam message from your Web mail server.
2. Try syncing with iTunes.  It didn’t work for us, but it may work for you.
3. If syncing doesn’t solve the problem, backup your iPad using iTunes.
4. Do a full restore.

Step one is important, otherwise once your device is restored you’ll download the spam again and repeat the problem.  Don’t be afraid – the backup and full restore really do work.

Apple also cautions against downloading anything other than bonafide apps from the iTunes store.  Not our issue, but worth mentioning.

Copyright 2010 Beverly Michaelis