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iCloud Files Lost - Help Recover

Hello all!


A couple of months ago, right after I updated to Big Sur, I lost ALL my iCloud files. I have no idea how it happened. It was like someone selected all of my Desktop, pressed delete and then emptied the trash.


I tried to recover by going to the recovery mode and was able to get some files back, but 95% of them are gone. I tried to go into Time Machine but I don't get an option to view the history of my Mac, like it would in different displays.


I would like help with, if possible, to go back in time in my machine and recover the files. It was so much work and I cannot believe things are just gone. Please help. There is no Apple Store where I live (Vietnam) so I need help from someone, anyone.


Thank you,

Ceci

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.1

Posted on Jan 5, 2021 10:23 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 6, 2021 12:18 AM

ceci_gg Said:

"iCloud Files Lost - Help Recover[...]

———-


So, they just disappeared?


A Few Thoughts on Recovering these:

  • Try Opening Recent Files:

Open an application that they were being used with - see if you can:

  1. Go to: File menu
  2. Select: Open Recent...
  3. Does Anything Pop Up?


  • Check Trash:

See if these items reside in Trash. Trash items need to be moved out of trash in order to open them.


  • Any Other Users?:

See if there are any other users on your computer. Perhaps they are on the other user


Log in, and see if you can find some of these items in there


  • Use a Backup:

If you have any Time Machine Backups, then see If you can transfer these over using Migration Assistant.


  • Go Here:

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

Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 6, 2021 12:18 AM in response to ceci_gg

ceci_gg Said:

"iCloud Files Lost - Help Recover[...]

———-


So, they just disappeared?


A Few Thoughts on Recovering these:

  • Try Opening Recent Files:

Open an application that they were being used with - see if you can:

  1. Go to: File menu
  2. Select: Open Recent...
  3. Does Anything Pop Up?


  • Check Trash:

See if these items reside in Trash. Trash items need to be moved out of trash in order to open them.


  • Any Other Users?:

See if there are any other users on your computer. Perhaps they are on the other user


Log in, and see if you can find some of these items in there


  • Use a Backup:

If you have any Time Machine Backups, then see If you can transfer these over using Migration Assistant.


  • Go Here:

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

iCloud Files Lost - Help Recover

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