without using iCloud, how can I recover lost Documents and Desktop folders that are

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without using iCloud, how can I recover lost Documents and Desktop folders that are

on my iMac with Mac OS 13.5.1 now installed, (and with prior OS), for the past 3 weeks or so, I have had Desktop issues - screenshots taken were not visible on my desktop. When I checked, clicking on the Documents and Desktop link in Favorites (Finder window), I got messages that the folder could not be found. When I checked in my User folder, the Desktop and Documents folder names had been modified to include my Mac name. When I tried to change that name back to just 'Documents' and 'Desktop', I was told that that name was already in use. Tried to see hidden file names but no joy. How to I get my local Documents and Desktop folders back? Some programs rely on seeing them. Thank you.

iMac 27″, macOS 13.4

Posted on Aug 20, 2023 7:04 AM

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Answer 1

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par4uk Author

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Aug 21, 2023 8:08 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Thank you all. I did check that and have never used iCloud Drive and Docs & Desktop was never turned on in iCloud. After again using first aid in drive utility, I revealed the hidden files in my user account and deleted the alias for both Desktop and Documents and real folders appeared with those names, so I am back in business now. Thanks again for your ideas and help. Problem appears to be resolved.

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Answer 2

Aug 20, 2023 7:28 AM in response to par4uk

par4uk wrote:

on my iMac with Mac OS 13.5.1 now installed, (and with prior OS), for the past 3 weeks or so, I have had Desktop issues - screenshots taken were not visible on my desktop. When I checked, clicking on the Documents and Desktop link in Favorites (Finder window), I got messages that the folder could not be found. When I checked in my User folder, the Desktop and Documents folder names had been modified to include my Mac name. When I tried to change that name back to just 'Documents' and 'Desktop', I was told that that name was already in use. Tried to see hidden file names but no joy. How to I get my local Documents and Desktop folders back? Some programs rely on seeing them. Thank you.

Check your iCloud settings and uncheck "Desktop & Documents Folders"

Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Aug 21, 2023 12:09 AM in response to par4uk

I understand that you never deliberately set to use Documents and Desktop in iCloud; but nevertheless this seems to have been activated (probably during an OS upgrade; it is easy to quickly ok all the questions and turning this on is the default).

Click on iCloud Drive, on a Finder window Sidebar. Do you see Documents and Desktop folders there? And do they have your files?

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Answer 4

par4uk Author

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Aug 20, 2023 11:45 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

I do not use my iCloud Drive so that item has never been checked. Pointers to the actual Documents and Desktop folders appear in my User folder as hidden files (I was able to reveal them). But I cannot find the actual folders nor can I remove the alias for each folder or rename the folders that have the added bit about my drive name. I have tried PR reset, disk first aid on both parts of my fusion drive. Do I need to reinstall my system? Not certain that will actually help.

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without using iCloud, how can I recover lost Documents and Desktop folders that are

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