The Monterey OS update seems to move files out of the Documents directory prior to install. I interrupted the installation at that point and need to know where those files are or failing that, how to recover.

I interrupted the Monterey install process and need to know where the Documents files got moved - it appears they are missing.

Mac mini, macOS 10.15

Posted on Aug 31, 2022 3:38 PM

Similar questions

Document folder empties after 12.7 Monterey update Yesterday my Mac desktop auto-updated to Monterey 12.7. Now when I go to Finder, my Documents folder is totally empty when I access it via Home or when I access it via iCloud. I had all my docs organized by subject folders inside Documents. It looks like all the documents ended up in Recents but there's no way for me to know for sure. In Finder, if I search on a Documents Folder name, the named folder comes up along with any documents including those search words. Is there any way I can get all my Document folders back in Finder under Documents where they were before Monterey update?
1961 6
After Monterey upgrade, all my files are gone! I normally access my folders by clicking on the HD icon on my desktop. The only folders there after the Monterey upgrade are Applications, Library, System and Users. Major panic. Following others' comments I have looked in the bin and there's nothing there. Finally, I did a search on a folder I use regularly and have found everything. If anyone else has this issue, look under Users/Shared/Relocated Items/Security/ and hopefully you'll find your life in there as I did. Bizarre. Phew. Here's hoping I can just drag them back to where I want them.
1496 6
Fixing my Documents folder So in my futile attempts to move my Documents folder to an external SSD drive, I seemed to have hosed that directory royally. It is completely empty, all of its previous content is on the external drive, but it cannot be deleted. At this point I'm looking to undo what I did and try a different tack, moving my entire account to the external drive. Problem: nothing will go in ~/Documents now, at least nothing that the Finder will display. I can copy files into it using Terminal, and ls shows them there, but the Finder does not. Is there any way to fix this problem other than restoring the entire system from a Time Machine backup?
3339 13

1 reply

John Galt

Level 10

155,216 points

Aug 31, 2022 3:59 PM in response to Don532

Restore it from the Time Machine backup created prior to the update. Step 1 of Apple's macOS update instructions: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

The Monterey OS update seems to move files out of the Documents directory prior to install. I interrupted the installation at that point and need to know where those files are or failing that, how to recover.

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up