Clean install of Catalina, then transfer everything from backup "by hand"
My wife's MacBook air has been running very slowly for months. I would like to do a clean install of Catalina, followed by moving all her document folders, apps, etc. from a backup disk by hand (i.e., not using Time Machine or Migration Assistant). I am hoping that by doing this I will get a clean system unencumbered by many years of built-up cruft.
The Air already has Catalina, and I know how to do a clean install of Catalina (I've done it before for a different Mac). My questions concern how to move the files back by hand, in particular, the files that store the data for a number of built-in Mac apps: So, what folders/files need to be moved into the clean-install filesystem for
- Messages
- Photos
- iTunes (or however Catalina stores music, movies, etc. now. TV app??)
- Calendar
- Contacts
- Safari/Bookmarks
- Reminders
- Etc.??
Have I forgot any Mac apps that store their data in a somewhat hidden location? Does anyone know of an online guide that explains the location of all these folders/files?
Thanks!
MacBook Air