Why can't I setup similar settings on both mac's?

What I did was to setup all my accounts on mac #1, then I setup my mac  #2, with the same settings as mac #1. After setting up mac #2 all my setings on mac #1 was disappeared, and seems like never installed – and visa versa!?! I have never experienced this kind of problem on my pc's, but apparently it is a problem on my mac’s???!!!

What did I do wrong?

Is there some kind of limit for accessing my IMAP accounts that I have to be aware about, if yes, where do I change this?

Please advise, thanks...