I can't find my files in the document folders in my documents tab in Finder on my Macbook pro.

It sounds like iCloud Drive was enabled. Follow the directions to how to turn off iCloud Drive for Desktop & Documents:

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

1. From your Mac, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud.
2. Next to iCloud Drive, click Options.
3. Deselect Desktop & Documents Folders.
4. Click Done.

If you go to the Finder Sidebar/iCloud Drive do you see the files?

Can you restore the files from Time Machine?

kazpraz wrote:

HI Macjack

Thanks for your advise however it didn't help me.

I followed your instructions, clicked Options but it does not offer me the option to Deselect Desktop and Document folders.

All it offers to tell me uncheck which files update to the icloud

So I still have my problem

I am running OS X El Capitan not Sierra.

Catherine

Yes, uncheck Desktop & Documents.