Finder error for iCloud files after restoring from Time Machine backup

Question

Finder error for iCloud files after restoring from Time Machine backup

I've unfortunately had to restore from Time Machine twice in recent months. Both times, iCloud Drive and Documents/Desktop integration was enabled. Both times, after restore, the locally-cached iCloud files (I use Optimize setting so not all iCloud are local) spent a long time uploading to "sync" up. All seemed well each time except I get error when trying to edit or delete a File from Finder.

I can rename files and I can manipulate files from Terminal (by accessing them at the cached location ~/Library/Mobile\ Documents/com\~apple\~CloudDocs). The last time I restored and this happened, I never found a fix so created a new local machine account, registered with iCloud then moved over all the local files I cared about. Tedious and seems like there is a better solution to "fix" the restored account.

I'm bewildered where to even look and see what's causing Finder to fail like this. I've tried disabling iCloud Drive on this Mac which removed all iCloud files then re-enabling but still the issue persists.

Seems I should be able to track something down in Console but, try as I may, I cannot figure how best to examine the logs at the point the failure occurs. Feels like Console has only "off" and "firehose" mode for showing logged information so much that I can't see anything obviously related to my Finder dilemma (i.e. hoping to see something about a Finder failure or Finder permissions or something mentioning the iCloud cache folder).

Here's hoping some of you macOS geniuses can help me track down the issue.

Respectfully, suggesting I exclude the iCloud cache folder from Time Machine is a valid but not the goal of my question. I am confident there is a fix and am hoping to use this forum to help me track it down. Resorting to creating a new account and selectively moving over files seems like an unnecessary cop-out. 😉

Running Ventura 13.6.9

Posted on Aug 25, 2024 2:32 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 16, 2024 11:01 AM in response to Jon-Eric Eliker

It's interesting that changing accounts helped. What login items do you have in your account. I have none, which I think is probably the best number.

Have you tried re-starting in Safe Mode? You don't say what machine your are using, so see this:

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Sep 16, 2024 4:44 AM in response to Jon-Eric Eliker

The files are specifically in a read-only way. That is, I can open, Quicklook, copy, etc. but Finder cannot update or delete. Very puzzling especially as I noted earlier I can modify the files from Terminal without error.

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Answer 3

Sep 25, 2024 5:22 AM in response to Richard.Taylor

Hi Richard. Thank you for the idea. I tried Safe Mode last time around and it didn't seem to make a difference but I will try again.

Agreed unusual it's okay when I change accounts which is why it makes me think it has something to do with what Time Machine restores to ~/Library or otherwise perhaps from the local copies of iCloud files found in ~/Library/Mobile Documents/com~apple~CloudDocs. For now I've excluded the CloudDocs folder from Time Machine (for ongoing backups—here's hoping I don't have to restore again soon in any case!).

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Answer 4

Sep 25, 2024 9:33 AM in response to Jon-Eric Eliker

With "Optimize" turned on, Time Machine can't backup the files that aren't actually on the Mac. I don't use "Optimize" for Photos or for iCloud Drive on my Mac, because I want to be able to back up those things. I use a MacBook, so I move around, and I have a small (1 ounce) SSD that I carry to hold less-often needed files--that way I have room on my internal drive to allow me to not optimize.

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