IansApple

Q: Apps missing after Time Capsule restore

I've just had to restore my 2010 Mac Book Pro using Time Machine and a recent full backup on my Time Capsule.

 

There are many important apps now missing, including App Store, Safari, Disk Utility and many others.

 

I've considered installing Sierra to right this, but can't access the app store via Chrome or Firefox

 

I have all my documents etc., on the Time Capsule so could perform a clean install of Sierra if I was able to download it

 

I am running the latest pre Sierra OS, although can't even check that as clicking on 'About My Mac' produces nothing at all....

 

Thanks

Posted on Sep 27, 2016 3:22 AM

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Q: Apps missing after Time Capsule restore

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  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 27, 2016 3:34 AM in response to IansApple
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    Sep 27, 2016 3:34 AM in response to IansApple

    Yes, clean install the OS then migrate your files using the migration assistant.

     

    That is actually the best way to install an OS.

     

    And next time you want to make a backup that works.. use Carbon Copy Cloner or Chronosync or superduper etc. Time Machine is unreliable.

  • by IansApple,

    IansApple IansApple Sep 27, 2016 4:18 AM in response to LaPastenague
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    Sep 27, 2016 4:18 AM in response to LaPastenague

    Many thanks, good advice - only difficulty is I have no access to the app store, since the application itself is no longer available, and I can't figure out how to download Sierra without it. Firefox and Chrome don't allow me access. Any suggestions?

  • by LaPastenague,Helpful

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 27, 2016 2:05 PM in response to IansApple
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    Sep 27, 2016 2:05 PM in response to IansApple

    Ah sorry .. Do you have original disks for your MBP .. it still has a DVD drive. That can be used to restore Snow Leopard and you can update from there.

     

    But I would go to Apple store if you have one nearby and ask for a USB stick with the OS.. They don't sell them but people get themselves in a bind and they might help out.

     

    Or look on ebay as people sell the OS on USB.. although I would prefer to buy it direct from a known source like Apple.

     

    Or go to a friend with a Mac.. and create your own USB install stick.

    https://9to5mac.com/2016/07/03/how-to-create-macos-sierra-usb-install-drive/

     

    If they have upgraded and preserved the upgrade.. then it is just a few min work to create a boot USB drive.

  • by IansApple,Solvedanswer

    IansApple IansApple Sep 27, 2016 2:07 PM in response to LaPastenague
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    Sep 27, 2016 2:07 PM in response to LaPastenague

    Thanks very much for the assistance....one or two of the suggestions are possible here

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 27, 2016 2:18 PM in response to IansApple
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    Sep 27, 2016 2:18 PM in response to IansApple

    Did you ever boot to recovery??

     

    I am getting old and it is early morning here. Only had one dose of pain killers and one coffee.. !!

     

    There are so many ways to do things I sometimes forget the most obvious.

     

    Since Apple redesigned their systems.. and everything is supposed to be done online.. the chances of getting a computer that is without OS and cannot be loaded was solved by giving a full recovery online.

     

    You do not need TM backup to install OS.. you can recover to the existing OS.. although if you were running a beta perhaps that is no longer available.

     

    About OS X Recovery - Apple Support

  • by IansApple,

    IansApple IansApple Sep 28, 2016 3:09 AM in response to LaPastenague
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    Sep 28, 2016 3:09 AM in response to LaPastenague

    Thanks, in the end I did it the lazy way - downloaded a copy of the app store from my daughters Mac and just installed Sierra. Seems to be working fine. Got a copy of Carbon Copy Cloner too as per your suggestion,  when I have the time I'll put a clean install of Sierra on. At the moment it ain't broke so I won't fix it! All the Mac apps that got wiped are back in place now...

     

    The whole episode did make me realise how hit and miss Time Machine backups have been - I've had a look through the last couple of years, and it is very hit and miss.

     

    I really appreciate all your help and input on this -  I have to show a client the proceeds of a recent photo shoot tomorrow, and would not have been able to do it!

     

    Many thanks once again