Does Time Machine backup hidden folders?

Question

Does Time Machine backup hidden folders?

I have important documents hidden in hidden folders, and I was wondering if TM back's up those files; or will I have to do that manually.

Any answers?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.10), Intel Core Duo/2GB RAM/80 GB HDD

Posted on Dec 29, 2007 11:19 AM

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Answer 1

BobP1776

Level 3

698 points

Dec 29, 2007 11:32 AM in response to Italian Stallion

It backs up hidden files/folders unless you explicitly add them to the Do Not Back Up list.

There are certain files that are not essential for restoring the system (console logs, cache files, the Trash, and such) that are automatically excluded from backups. Applications also have the ability to mark files as Do Not Back Up (apparently VMWARE is now doing that with its virtual environment files).

In any event, it is easy enough for you to test to ease your mind. Put a hidden file or folder inside a non-hidden folder. Do a Back Up Now. Move the non-hidden folder to the Trash. Go to Time Machine and restore the non-hidden folder. Is your hidden file or folder still in there? Try it.
--Bob

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