iCloud keeps deleting my contacts

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iCloud keeps deleting my contacts

Today, I noticed that one of my old contacts is mysteriously missing. I have a backup archive in the form of a .abbu file which I new it was on. I saved a new .abbu file of my current contacts, then loaded the old .abbu file. I found the missing contact and exported the vCard.

Next, I needed to restore the current version of my Address Book, so I deleted all the files, but iCloud kept restoring them. I went into iCloud and deleted them there, figuring I could start fresh with the backup I'd just made. However, I couldn't open it until I went into preferences and disabled iCloud. Then I could restore my files.

HOWEVER, as soon as I enable iCloud, it DELETES EVERYTHING AGAIN!

I've tried googling, using Time Machine, etc. but nothing works. Please advise.

iMac 27″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Dec 1, 2020 10:37 PM

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Answer 1

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Piso Mojado Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 2, 2020 5:21 PM in response to Piso Mojado

Ok, it took a few hours, but it seems fixed for now. What I learned:

iCloud is garbage.

NEVER USE ABBU FOR BACKUP!!!

I went to the home folder/library/application support/addressbook and deleted everything in there.

Disconnect the internet but leave iCloud enabled

Start Contacts

import abbu

drag and drop each group into a new folder, creating vcf files for each group

make a smart group of all contacts not in a group

drag that into the folder as well creating a vcf file

plug in the internet and watch iCloud obliterate all my contacts, because it hates me.

drag and drop each vcf file one at a time into Contacts

use "File/ New group from selection" after each drop

curse iCloud for screwing up my entire day

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iCloud keeps deleting my contacts

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