after reinstall OS , how to get files back onto desktop?Finder>desktop

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Mbear46 Author

Level 1

10 points

after reinstall OS , how to get files back onto desktop?Finder>desktop

Support staff had me re install OS. Now Desktop has no files..where are they how do they arrive back onto desk top?

Posted on Sep 8, 2023 4:51 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Encryptor5000

Level 5

7,688 points

Sep 9, 2023 2:35 PM in response to Mbear46

Thanks for that info! Glad you still have your data.

Try these steps to locate where your files and folders in "Recents" might actually be hiding:

Open a new Finder window.
At the top of the screen, select View -> Show Path Bar.
Select one of the files or folders shown in Recents. Its true location should now appear at the bottom of the Finder window.

If your items in Recents happen to all be in iCloud Drive, perhaps your Mac was set to sync your Desktop and Documents folders with iCloud Drive. If that's the case, you can restore that setting:

Open System Settings.
Select your name in the top left corner of the window, then choose iCloud.
Under "Apps Using iCloud", choose iCloud Drive.
Make sure that both iCloud Drive and Desktop & Documents Folders are enabled.
If successful, your items should reappear on your desktop and in your documents folders.

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Answer 2

Sep 9, 2023 12:05 PM in response to Mbear46

Hi Mbear46,

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but... your data could be outright gone.

Just curious, was this Apple Support that asked you to reinstall macOS? Or was it a different support team? Did they help you back up your data first? What issues was your Mac running into that caused them to recommend reinstalling macOS?

Most importantly, did the support team ask you to erase your Mac or restore the Mac's firmware before reinstalling macOS?

Please provide as much context as possible regarding your situation so that we can hopefully help recover your data.

EDIT: What year and model is your Mac? Was it made after November 2020?

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Answer 3

Mbear46 Author

Level 1

10 points

Sep 9, 2023 1:37 PM in response to Encryptor5000

Apple support guided me through some trouble shooting. 3 helpers, three different approaches. 1. suggested I buy a new iphone 2. invest over two hours clicking around on both devices..did get me to disconnect my exterior hard drive (time machine) and knew I had cloud back up.3 was pretty taciturn, went directly to re install which fixed the problem I was having.then bye bye.

after session I notice the desktop was not set up as before..it was empty. My data is visible in other places I don't fear that I have lost any.

My question about the empty desk top comes from being accustomed to have a long list of things I am working on sitting on the desk top. Now they are on somethingscalled "recents"..I can deal with it now that I found the folders.

Wish Apple would create a manual that we the people can use. I have had apple machines since they first came out. I am not a tech savvy type. I am a bang around until something works type ...usually...but a few guide lines plus a heads up from support would be helpful.

Thanks for your response

btw

my imac is up to date OS Ventura, 13.5.2, built late 2021

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after reinstall OS , how to get files back onto desktop?Finder>desktop

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