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hnieuw

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 21, 2020
3
1
Hi guys, I'm new here. While ago I dragged the folders of my main mac to a backup disc (Applications, Library, System, User that is). Thought I also had an timemachine backup but unfortunately this didn't turn out.
My question is; I have a clean macOS instal with exactly the same OS as this 'folderdrag backup'. Is there any possibility that this folder structure can be restored from what I have? Thanks for your help <3
 
When you "dragged" the folders from your internal drive to the extra, the folders aren't "moved" -- they are just "copied".

Shouldn't they "still be there" on your internal drive?

You need to learn more about the concept of properly "backing up".

I would suggest this:
- have an EXTERNAL drive that is large enough to hold the contents of your internal drive
- download either CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper. Both are FREE to download and use for 30 days
- use either one to create a "cloned backup" of your internal drive.

Do this, and you will have AN EXACT COPY of your internal drive on an external drive.
You can even boot from it if necessary.

Carbon Copy Cloner - Download

 
Library, System, I would not try to copy, as might mess up what's already there and make things worse: lots of databases, things with uniq system ids, specific permissions, etc.

Applications, should work for most things, but anything that has their own installer that sets up things in Library or user's Library might be a problem.

User documents, go into Users/yourid on the external and copy the files from their to your new account. But would avoid copying the user Library folder, as see paragraph #1.
 
Ok thanks guys. As the "backup" only exists on the external hdd I am not able to make it bootable i guess.
I will try to restore the internal drive by hooking it up to another mac and restore copy the "backup" to the drive via disk utility.
I am not affraid for data loss as there is just a clean macos instal on the internal drive. Lets see how ot goes :)
 
OP wrote:
"As the "backup" only exists on the external hdd I am not able to make it bootable i guess."

Go back and read my reply #2 to you again.
Use either CCC or SD, and your backup will be bootable.
 
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