Q: Recovering corrupted notes
For some reason iCloud blew up my Notes (after blowing up my Numbers files earlier this week). So, after searching around these discussions, I found out that a Notes backup of the iCloud file exists in Containers or Mobile Documents, from which I should be able to restore from Time Machine. Except for the sad fact, that neither folder exists in prior Time Machine backups, they only exist in the current Finder. I have no clue how to get around that.
Then I realized, I save my iPhone and iPad to my iMac weekly, and the good version of my Notes is in there. I tried it. Unfortunately, a few seconds after opening Notes, it synced and overwrote my Notes from the corrupted iCloud version (which deleted all but the oldest Note). You can shut off Wifi and Cellular prior to restoring the iDevices, but unfortunately, the restore will turn them back on, and iCloud's evil self takes over and blows up my Notes.
Assuming that Time Machine is a lost cause (but willing to be pointed in the right direction to find where the Notes backups are), how can I make this iPhone's correct version of notes overwrite the iCloud version. Or give me sufficient time where I can email myself each note and then re-enter it. Or do something to save it.
Posted on Jul 8, 2014 1:36 PM
Turn off iCloud sync for Notes on all devices.
Put the notes in the new User via Shared folder.
Your Hard Drive/Users/Shared
Option drag these folders to Shared to copy: (The "~" represents your Home folder. If you don't see Library in your Home folder, hold Option and click the Go menu.)
1) Copy the whole ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.Notes/ folder
2) ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
Drag from Shared (it actually copies) and place on Desktop.
Move the data into correct location in new User.
Syncing via iTunes should allow you to upload to iPhone.
iOS: Back up and restore your iOS device with iCloud or iTunes
Once you get the data on your phone you'll need to clean up iCloud notes before syncing back.
You might want to consider other options for syncing your notes.
Posted on Jul 8, 2014 6:45 PM
