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All replies
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Helpful answers
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Jun 23, 2016 9:07 AM in response to T_Yby becky_s22,G'day T_Y,
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
I see that you are having an issue with accessing files and folders in your Time Machine Backup. I backup my Mac daily with Time Machine, so I know how important it is you have access to your data.
I recommend using the article Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac for help restoring specific files from Time Machine, specifically, this section:
Restore specific files:
- Choose Enter Time Machine from the Time Machine menu
, or click Time Machine in the Dock.

- Find the files to restore:
- Use the timeline on the edge of the screen to see the files in your Time Machine backup as they were at that date and time. The timeline may also include local snapshots.
- Use the onscreen up and down arrows to jump to the last time the contents of the window changed. You can also use the search field in a window to find a file, then move through time while focused on changes to that file.
- Select a file and press Space Bar to preview the file and make sure it's the one you want.
- Click Restore to restore the selected file, or Control-click the file for other options.
Additional information can be found in our Mac Help user guide below:
Back up your files with Time Machine
Cheers!
- Choose Enter Time Machine from the Time Machine menu
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Jun 23, 2016 9:16 AM in response to becky_s22by T_Y,Thanks, but this article is only relevant when Time Machine is functioning properly. This appears to be some sort of corruption in Time Machine itself.
I've been using TM for years. Suddenly, a couple of days ago, when I tried to retrieve a file, it stopped displaying the folder selected.
No matter what directory window I may be in, it ignores that folder and switches to my user folder instead.
There is no way to navigate to the desired directory from within TM.
Do I need to look for the TM prefs file and trash it?
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Jun 23, 2016 10:36 AM in response to T_Yby jameson.h,Hi T_Y,
If you're using an external hard drive for a Time Machine backup, I would recommend disconnecting the Time Machine drive from your Mac Pro and reconnect. Then, test to see if you get the same result.
Also, please give your Mac Pro a fresh restart and then test once more.
If you still have an issue after that, please contact our support directly with the link below:
Best Regards.
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Jun 23, 2016 1:30 PM in response to T_Yby Eric Root,Start with A4 in the 1st linked article. This has straightened up a few problems I was having with Time Machine.
