Time Machine

Question

Level 1

8 points

Time Machine

My computer does not read old files stored by the Time Machine. These files were on my MacBook Pro, and I am currently using MacBook Air. Is there any way to retrieve them?

MacBook Air (2018 or later)

Posted on Jan 23, 2019 10:21 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

dwb

Level 7

33,244 points

Jan 24, 2019 5:38 AM in response to M-os

Select the external hard drive’s icon on the desktop and do Get Info (command I) or look under the File menu for Get Info. At the bottom of the dialog box that just opened, you’ll see a lock icon. Click on it and enter your password when requested. You should see a checkbox labeled Ignore Permissions. Click to checkmark it. Now you should be able to access the folders.

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Answer 2

sberman

Level 10

272,544 points

Jan 23, 2019 2:36 PM in response to M-os

What does “read old files” mean exactly?

Are you trying to restore an old Time Machine backup? What operating system version numbers are involved? What error message do you see? What is the exact process you have used?

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Answer 3

M-os Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 23, 2019 11:28 PM in response to sberman

Hi,

I was trying to open my old Documents folder from the Time Machine, but it did not open. A message appeared, saying: "The folder “Desktop” can’t be opened because you don’t have permission to see its contents." And there was a small minus sigh within a red circle on the folder.

And I am using the macOS 10.14.2 (18C54) -- as my "System information" app shows.

The screenshot of the message I see is attached.

Thank you

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