Big Sur 11.4 Since the last upgrade, spotlight is not finding files

Question

Level 1

12 points

Big Sur 11.4 Since the last upgrade, spotlight is not finding files

Hi,

macOS Big Sur 11.4

Since the last upgrade, I have following problem spotlight is not finding files, I run system information manage storage, here the outcome

Macintosh HD storage:

On the left column below Recommendation:

- Documents shows - Document Zero KB

When I click/open – the central column under large file no information (empty)

under downloads all downloaded files that are pending (not classified)

under unsupported apps empty

under container preview – quick time player – text edit; all 3 empty

under file browser it looks like all files that are under “other”

last line under recommendation – not bold just light gray.

My question – how do I reactivate these files “other” - to be able to have them again in spotlight

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.4

Posted on Jun 20, 2021 1:55 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Jack-19

Level 8

45,722 points

Jun 21, 2021 1:53 PM in response to eugcur

I believe we need to proceed with an EtreCheck report. EtreCheck is a useful App to and identify issues, both hardware and software. It is trusted by many users. Please follow the steps outlined below:

Navigate to: https://etrecheck.com and get the free version of EtreCheckPro.
Download it. It is a free and trusted app. It is often recommended here on Apple Support Communities.
Open EtreCheck, and before running the report, be sure to check “Allow full Drive Access” at the bottom of the EtreCheckPro window.
Run the report, and put it in a post, as seen here: https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250000211. We will then examine the report for issues in your Mac.

-Jack

Reply

Answer 2

Jack-19

Level 8

45,722 points

Jun 22, 2021 12:44 AM in response to eugcur

Welcome back to Apple Support Communities.

Notes from EtreCheck:

Possible Adware. Use the free version of Malwarebytes for Mac to scan and remove any.
Delete Avira and any other anti-virus or cleaning apps.
Slow File system performance test.

Here's what I would recommend from here. Based on your slow file system performance test, Spotlight issue, and large number of "Other" files (~670 GB), I would suggest a total erase and re-install of macOS. However, this will erase all data. To backup, "copy and pate" or "drag and drop" files you want to save to an external storage device. Do not use Time Machine. This will just restore all the issues. If Time Machine must be used, don't restore from the Time Machine backup during Setup Assistant. Rather, post re-install, inherit the backup: If your new Mac inherits your backup history - Apple Support, and restore files: Restore items backed up with Time Machine on Mac - Apple Support.

When you're ready to erase and re-install, follow the steps here for erase, How to erase an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support, then re-install, How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support.

-Jack

Reply