Projects disappeared completely, and I can't find them even in Time Machine

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Level 1

4 points

Projects disappeared completely, and I can't find them even in Time Machine

Hello everyone,

I've had a very distressing event happen to me yesterday. Two iMovie projects that I had been working on disappeared completely when I opened the program the last time. I understand that I'm not alone in this, so I've read up on others' cases and the possible solutions - the problem is that none of them are working. The folders aren't in the trash, and even snooping around in my Time Machine backups the iMovie library files don't have them. This is especially strange as I exported both projects before, but it's as if they never existed in the first place.

This is a huge problem for me, and so I'd be very appreciative of any help. Thanks in advance.

iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 11.6

Posted on Sep 29, 2021 7:26 AM

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Answer 1

Rich839

Level 8

47,742 points

Sep 29, 2021 8:18 AM in response to Ildskalli

To cover the bases, go to the top of your projects browser screen and make sure that you are in the correct library.

If all O.K, then try deleting preferences. To delete preferences open Open iMovie while holding down the Option and Command keys and select to delete preferences in the box that appears. iMovie will open in a new library. Reopen your old library to get back to your projects. Deleting preferences is a safe procedure that will not cause data loss or disruption to your project.

If still no luck, look in the iMovie Backups folder to open an iMovie library backup that predates the disappearance of your projects. To get to the iMovie Backups folder, follow this file path from the Finder menu:

Go/Home/Library/Containers/com.apple.iMovieApp/Data/Library/Caches/iMovieBackups

When you get there you will see a list of previous backups of your iMovie library. Click on one dated just before your issue started. iMovie will open in that library. Navigate to your projects browser (where your projects are displayed as icons) and see if your projects are intact.

-- Rich

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Answer 2

Rich839

Level 8

47,742 points

Sep 29, 2021 8:21 AM in response to Rich839

As an added note, the Time Machine backup won't display your projects individually as files. You need to go to the Time Machine backup of the iMovie library and then restore the library. Restore it to a different location if you don't want to overwrite your existing library.

-- Rich

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Projects disappeared completely, and I can't find them even in Time Machine

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