Missing files after using Migration Assistant

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Missing files after using Migration Assistant

I just transferred files from my old iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2010) running OS 10.13.6 to a new one (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019) running OS 10.15.4 using the Migration Assistant, and I'm missing all kinds of stuff that I'm manually having to transfer myself.

I also just noticed that the Library folder in my user account is missing, too, in addition to several others. Is there a way to get the Library folder, etc. to the new iMac without having to transfer files individually?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jun 2, 2020 10:43 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BDAqua

Level 10

245,657 points

Jun 2, 2020 6:11 PM in response to seadub64

Just asking... you do know the users Library is hidden?

Apple hid the Users' Library folders...

Method 1:

From the Finder, select the Go menu at top of the screen, and choose Go to Folder.
In the window that opens, enter ~/Library, and click Go.

Method 2:

Go to the Finder (or desktop).
Hold the Option key on your keyboard, and click the Go menu at the top of the screen.
With the Go menu open, you'll notice that pressing and releasing Option will display or hide the Library choice in this menu.

4 Select Library from the Go menu (while holding down Option) to access the hidden folder.

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Answer 2

MHoeck

Level 1

8 points

Jun 14, 2020 1:06 PM in response to Old Toad

I found the Library folder. I just can't figure out what to do since Migration Assistant did not transfer major files. Do I run it again?

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Answer 3

seadub64 Author

Level 1

11 points

Jun 4, 2020 7:20 AM in response to BDAqua

BDAqua,

I didn't know that was was hidden, but I was able to locate the Library folder using the methods you described above. Is there a way to get it back in my User account?

However, compared to my User account on my old iMac, I am still missing many folders and files.

In addition, the Documents folder doesn't have any of my files or folders in it at all.

I appreciate your assistance.

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Answer 4

seadub64 Author

Level 1

11 points

Jun 12, 2020 7:47 AM in response to BDAqua

Sorry, I've been away without internet or reliable cell service and couldn't respond.

I located the Library folder using the method you supplied previously, but am still missing several others.

Also, I put files and folders on my Desktop and they all disappeared, too, when I logged in the next time.

After turning on my computer upon my return I received an error message before doing anything. I don't get it.

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Answer 5

MHoeck

Level 1

8 points

Jun 13, 2020 9:47 AM in response to seadub64

I'm having the same exact problem. I transferred my files from a 2010 MacBook Pro to a refurbished 2017 MacBook Pro, new to me, and the Migration Assistant appears to have transferred all of the applications but not all of my files. Major files are missing. I used a very recent backup from Time Machine on an external drive. Puzzling.

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Answer 6

seadub64 Author

Level 1

11 points

Jun 4, 2020 6:15 PM in response to BDAqua

Migration Assistant had to be pulled up on both Macs and I just followed the instructions (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204350).

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Answer 7

Old Toad

Level 10

211,075 points

Jun 13, 2020 10:40 AM in response to seadub64

While in your Home folder and select the View ➙ Show View Options menu option. There check the "Show Library Folder" checkbox:

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Answer 8

Old Toad

Level 10

211,075 points

Jun 27, 2020 9:28 AM in response to RHarchaeology

RHarchaeology wrote:

I don't have that option visible.

You have to be in this view before you get the library option:

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Answer 9

BDAqua

Level 10

245,657 points

Jun 2, 2020 2:48 PM in response to seadub64

Did you have an account setup on the new Mac before running MA?

If so look in Sys Prefs>Users & Groups for another User to log Into.

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Answer 10

seadub64 Author

Level 1

11 points

Jun 2, 2020 3:49 PM in response to BDAqua

No, I don't believe I set up an account before running MA.

The only Users in Users & Groups are myself and a Guest account.

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Answer 11

BDAqua

Level 10

245,657 points

Jun 4, 2020 8:36 AM in response to seadub64

Hmm, how did you migrate, was MA used on both Macs?

Did you run Disk Utility First Aid on both Drives?

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Answer 12

BDAqua

Level 10

245,657 points

Jun 6, 2020 8:35 AM in response to seadub64

Did you ever find the files?

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Answer 13

seadub64 Author

Level 1

11 points

Jun 15, 2020 12:48 PM in response to Old Toad

I was able to add the Library Folder back to my user account with the information you supplied, but I am missing a lot of folders in the Library now, too.

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Answer 14

Jun 26, 2020 1:08 AM in response to Old Toad

I don't have that option visible.

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Missing files after using Migration Assistant

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