Alias Document type in Word on MacBook Air

BrendaMadison Said:

"Alias Document type in Word on MacBook Air: [...]I am completely perplexed about where the actual documents went[...]"

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Use Spotlight Search:

[Hold Down: command + spacebar] and type the name of the file into it. See if it pops up.

Screenshot of Spotlight Search:

Any Issues with Spotlight Search?:

If Spotlight Search is having issues, then add the Hard Drive to Spotlight Search. It should then be searchable.

Use these links...

• Spotlight for external drives - Apple Community
• How to rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac - Apple Support

BrendaMadison Said:

"Alias Document type in Word on MacBook Air: [...]Do you mean that I should connect my external back up drive and add it to the spotlight search?"

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Import these from Backups:

Yes (in order to import them from a backup). In that case, use Migration Assistant to migrate these back. Go Here: Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support

BrendaMadison Said:

"Alias Document type in Word on MacBook Air: [...] how to I keep MS Word files from converting documents to alias files and/or disappearing from iCloud altogether? It seems I must be doing something wrong? Thank you so much for your help."

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A. Any Security Software Installed?:

If there is any Security Software installed on this Mac? If so, uninstall it, as it may be blocking it out. Ask the Developer how to uninstall it, as just dragging it to the Trash will leave items(i.e. caches and shortcuts) laying about.

B. Time Machine Preferences:

Are these items excluded from Time Machine Backup? To Find Out:

1. Go to: System Preferences
2. Select: Utilities
3. Click: Options...
4. View: Exclude items from backups

Is MS Word Listed In there?

Screenshot with Personal Info Blocked Out:

BrendaMadison Said:

"Alias Document type in Word on MacBook Air: [...]when I went to finder there is no "Hard Drive" option to choose. Do you mean that I should connect my external back up drive and add it to the spotlight search?"

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Find Out where these are saved:

I. First - Open a Recent Document:

1. Open: MS Word
2. Go to: File menu
3. Hover Over: Open Recent
4. Select: {document name]

II. Once Opened...

View the Storage Location:

1. Open: MS Word
2. Go to: File menu
3. Select: Properties
4. View: Location (First Item-Down)

BrendaMadison Said:

"Alias Document type in Word on MacBook Air: [...]I think I'll call this done, as I at least understand the issue better. Thank you again!?

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You are welcome! Excellent job troubleshooting, and learring a lot.

I really need to contact you