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eM Client Team,
I would like to suggest adding a "Factory Reset" feature to eM Client to help users easily restore the application to its default settings. This feature would be especially helpful for troubleshooting or when users want to start fresh without reinstalling the app or manually removing settings and profiles.
Proposed Feature:
The idea is to include a one-click option to reset eM Client back to its initial state, clearing all user accounts, settings, and locally stored data. It would be ideal to place this option under the Advanced Settings section, so it’s easily accessible for users who understand what it does but not exposed to those who may not be familiar with it.
How It Would Work:
Location:
The "Factory Reset" option would be placed under Settings > Advanced Settings.
Activation:
Upon clicking the option, users would see a warning confirming that this will erase all settings and data (except server-synced emails).
Users would be prompted to choose between:
Confirm Reset: Proceed with the reset and clear all accounts/settings.
Cancel: Return to the settings page without making any changes.
End User Experience After Reset:
After the reset, eM Client would:
Remove all accounts and local data.
Reset settings to default.
Clear any cache or preferences set by the user.
Once the reset is complete, eM Client would restart and show the initial setup screen (like after a fresh install), prompting users to reconfigure their accounts.
Backup Recommendation:
Before confirming the reset, we could add a reminder or recommendation for users to back up their data (via eM Client’s built-in backup option).
Use Cases:
Troubleshooting: Users who are encountering issues can quickly restore the application to its original state without having to manually delete folders or reinstall the software.
Reconfiguration: Users who want to start fresh with new settings or a new configuration could use this feature instead of reinstalling the software.
Testing: Advanced users could use this feature when testing configurations or changes and need to easily reset their environment.
Suggested Placement and Design:
The "Factory Reset" button should be clearly labeled, with a description like:
“Resets all settings, accounts, and locally stored data. This action cannot be undone.”
The option should be placed under Settings > Advanced Settings to avoid accidental use by casual users but remain easily accessible for power users or those troubleshooting.
Benefits of This Feature:
Simplicity: It would allow users to reset the application with minimal effort, eliminating the need to navigate hidden system folders or delete profiles manually.
Troubleshooting Made Easier: Users facing persistent issues could quickly return to a clean state without reinstalling the application.
Cleaner Experience: Starting fresh is much easier with this built-in feature, making it more user-friendly and reducing the number of support requests.
Conclusion:
A "Factory Reset" feature would greatly enhance the user experience by giving users a simple, safe way to reset eM Client to its default settings. By placing this feature under Advanced Settings, we can ensure that it's available for those who need it without confusing or affecting the majority of users.
Thank you for considering this feature! I believe it would be a great addition to eM Client.