How can I find browser history from a Time Machine backup, without restoring the entire backup on the new computer?

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How can I find browser history from a Time Machine backup, without restoring the entire backup on the new computer?

After backing up my old MacBook Air with TimeMachine onto an external hard drive, I want to access the browser history that was backed up but on a new laptop.

I do not wish to restore the entire TimeMachine back up (because the back-up is made from an older iOS version and can't be restored on Catalina) , but only trying to find the archived browsing history from Safari, Firefox and Google Chrome.

Can someone help point me to the right folders on my hard drive from TimeMachine and how to re-instate the browser history into my browsers?

Posted on Nov 4, 2020 5:00 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 4, 2020 5:22 AM in response to JG-88

this info would be found in backups>macbook>user>libraries>safari etc.

you can also launch time machine and open the backup folder and the files dates will appear.

i have not performed that last task since the mid2010s so i might be off by a folder or a country mile.

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Answer 2

Nov 4, 2020 5:33 AM in response to JG-88

you could do a finder search......

see, i never backed up or used firefox or chrome on the MacBook air

but there has to be some file there because time machine stores everything.

hopefully someone else can give accurate advice soon.

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Answer 3

JG-88 Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 4, 2020 5:29 AM in response to JG-88

So the thing is that there is backups>macbook>user ...but then no folder with Library.

There is backups>MacBook>Library...but then no folders for Safari / Firefox / Chrome

Then there's also backups>MacBook>System>Library...but also no folders for Safari / Firefox / Chrome

Could it be that the TimeMachine back up was made on a really old laptop with a very old OS version?

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How can I find browser history from a Time Machine backup, without restoring the entire backup on the new computer?

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