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MesaRon59 Author

Level 1

10 points

I can't find my files in Time Machine to backup. What now?

I've been forced to wipe and install the OS on my iMac after a trip to the genius bar. I had time machine in place thinking all my files would be available to me to restore. Now I can't find the files and when I find some, it claims I don't have privileges to access them. When I unlock and try to restore privileges, it only allows me "read Only" I need my documents (From the last 15 years) and all my music and photos for over 30 years. Someone please help me

Posted on Oct 4, 2020 11:15 AM

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

82,390 points

Posted on Oct 4, 2020 11:30 AM

You really should migrate from Time Machine when you first startup the new macOS on a new drive.

see > Restore your Mac from a backup - Apple Support

Did you setup the new macOS on the new drive using the same name and ID that made the Time Machine backup? If not, then you need to erase the new drive and start over.

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I can't find my files in Time Machine to backup. What now?

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