Is it possible Time Machine Backups are gone

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Level 1

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Is it possible Time Machine Backups are gone

I took my Mac to be 'cleaned'. What i mean is, the guy recommended wiping out the HD, moving HD to external HD, and reinstalling. So he didn't back up my apps as he says he can't. You have to reinstall. Fine however, things like iPhoto are gone and therefore no photos. Nothing in Pictures or MyPictures. Same with iTunes.

So I went to TM to reinstall a back up and nothing is there. It's like it's a brand new computer. Is it possible when he wiped the HD it also took TM?

Mavericks OS.

Thanks

mac pro

Posted on Apr 13, 2015 11:48 AM

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Answer 1

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Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Apr 13, 2015 11:57 AM in response to originale

No. You didn't erase your Time Machine backup drive, did you? Your computer is not known to Time Machine because you wiped the HDD. Time Machine thinks it's a new computer. You need to find how to make Time Machine switch to the old backup on your Time Machine backup drive. Please visit Pondini's Time Machine FAQ for help with all things Time Machine. Read the item on switching the backup drive for restoring files.

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Answer 2

originale Author

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Apr 13, 2015 11:56 AM in response to Kappy

Phew! I didn't erase it but I hope the guy didn't. How would I find out. Best for me to go to the FAQ and find out how to do this. Thanks for the quick response.

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Apr 13, 2015 12:17 PM in response to originale

I assume your Time Machine backup is on a separate external drive. If it is then it wouldn't be erased unless you erased it.

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Answer 4

originale Author

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20 points

Apr 13, 2015 1:00 PM in response to Kappy

I believe it's going to Time Capsule but I don't know how to get at it.

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Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Apr 13, 2015 1:18 PM in response to originale

Use the Time Machine application in order to look at a backup. You will still have to find out how to switch to your old backup. See Item 17 at Pondini.org.

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