Can't find Previous System folder

It's not where they were always deposited before. But is filled my HD, so I wanna archive it.
Doesn't show up in Spotlight, neither.

phranky wrote:
Yes, I did a Archive and Install. But there's no sign of it in my System, Root or Personal library. Gonna have to take to calling it Vista, Jr. soon.
Frank
Hmmmm,
You might open a terminal and do a full search from the root directory on out.
Did you have any glitches during the install? If you do a second A&I over a bad one, the file may simply go away. But then, how did you migrate your old stuff over if you have no archive??
Gotta be there somewhere, right?

Similar Messages

Archive and reinstall - can't find previous system and want to delete

Hey everyone,
I just did an archive and reinstall with OS 10.5 and now am running out of disk space. I've been trying to find the "previous system" folder but can't locate it with finder. Any ideas?
Is it in the system folder? What can I delete without killing my computer?
Noob here, thanks a bunch!

Current system is OS 10.5
previous was the latest update - 10.5.6?
I have about 10 GB less space now that I need to recover!
I'm running this: MacBook Pro 2.4Ghz, 2GB 15", 160GB
Thanks.

Can't find classic system folder

I recently bought a used Mac that has OS 10.4 installed on it. Everything works fine except for classic, which doesn't seem to be installed. I was told that I can simply copy the system folder of classic from another mac which already has it installed and I should be good to go. Now, I need to explain to a friend via email how he can locate this folder so he can make me a copy. Can someone tell me just where this classic system folder is located? Is it under the hard drive with the main system folder? I would love to get my classic apps going. Thanks fellas (and chicas).
Regards,
Billy M.

This may work. Keep in mind that if you just drag and drop a copy of a System Folder, you also drag and copy things that may have been installed later on the host machine, such as third party extensions, etc.. that my not work on your machine. If you do this, and have issues, you can drag the System Folder to your trash and be done with it. For the best results, try to find an old OS 9 install disk. There are used ones about, eBay sometimes. The one you want is the retail version of OS 9.1. There were two free updates available to this, still posted in places you can download, to bring it up to 9.2.2, which was the last and latest Classic release version. These may still actually be available on the Apple site, if you know where to look to find them. They are necessary to make your Classic folder more compatible to run in Classic mode within OS X.

Can't Delete Previous Systems Folder

I did an archive and reinstall some time ago, and got what I needed from the Previous Systems folder. So I tried to delete it (Secure Delete), and got most of it gone. What is left is a "Previous Systems" folder, with an "Previous System 1" folder inside, which shows up in the window as empty. When I try and delete it, I get a message that I can't because "html" is in use. I went in via Terminal, and found a series of directories under my "empty" Previous System 1:
usr/X11R6/lib/X11/doc/html, with a ton of ".html" files in the "html" folder. I got rid of all those files, then tried to get rid of "html", but it tells me that it isn't empty. I used sudo rmdir, and sudo rm -rf, and I get the same message. What gives, and what can I do about it?

Just to follow up on my problem, I finally had to backup my drive onto another drive, reformat the disk, and copy everything back. The unempty-able Trash was then empty. I still have one other problem that I hoped all that would fix, but I'll post it as a separate question. Just in case someone's curious, the problem (which I had before) is that sometimes upon waking from sleep, I get no response from the machine in that:
1.) The battery/power meter doesn't update.
2.) Once I try and click the cursor on anything on the screen (Locations, a window, the Airport menu bar), I get a spinning beachball that goes on for minutes. When it goes away, I try clicking again, and back it comes. Eventually, the machine "catches up" and works, but it's very inconvenient. Usually, this happens after the machine has slept over night. It could be a network issue (i.e., it's looking for the network it saw the night before), but it doesn't happen everytime. It's enough to make me wonder why I bought a Mac.

Can I delete 'Previous Systems' folder?

I have re-installed Max OS X twice, first time 2 years ago, the last time was yesterday. This last time I noticed at some point a message that the previous system could not be used anymore for starting up (I hope I recollect this correctly).
When I look on the HD there is a folder with '2 previous systems' folders, and both folders have 7 items, and each folder has 7 sub-folders. (Applications, Library etc.)
I assume that this takes up space on the hard drive? Does the newly installed sw need these old items? If not, would it free space if I delete these old system folders?
Thank you in advance for any information.
Milli.

Some people keep them for a little while in case there is a plugin or settings file that they had in their old system that they want to put in their new one. Once you have decided you don't need any of those you can just trash them.

Using spotlight to find previous system

When using spotlight, why can it not find "previous system" folder? I am trying to find it so i can delete it. I found it via finder easily enough, but im curious why spotlight could not locate it. I typed the name of the folder exactly like it is.

The only way to change where Spotlight searches permanently, is to modify its _rules.plist. See my posts in http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5195994 for the details. FWIW, mine looks like this:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple Computer//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>EXCLUDE</key>
<array/>
<key>INCLUDE</key>
<array>
<string>/System</string>
<string>/Library</string>
<string>/etc</string>
<string>/private</string>
<string>/usr</string>
<string>/bin</string>
<string>/sbin</string>
</array>
<key>NOTE</key>
<string>Specify paths to include or exclude, preceeding rules which target user-homes with ~/</string>
</dict>
</plist>

Previous System folder vs. system folder after archive and install

Hi there - I am very new to mac but love the products and am excited to be a part of the culture.
Because I am having battery-type problems I was told to do an archive and install to see if it was a software problem.
My question is, I followed the instructions apple gave for doing the archive and install. And it says that you can delete the previous system folder if everything is the same or you can move stuff over.
The problem is I want to delete the previous systems folder but it is very different than the new one and I don't even know what I would copy.
Briefly, the new system folder just has one folder inside called library with a bunch of folders inside of that.
The previous system folder called previous system 1 has folders entitled application, library, mach.sym, private, system, and users. Why are they different and what can I do?

The previous system, in most cases can be safely deleted. You can't revert to it anyway, so there's no fall back option to worry about. If you've saved everything in your user folder (or home folder - same thing) your data is safe. The previous system may have some preference files for apps you run, perhaps even registration data for apps that require serial #'s when you install them. If everything runs fine, and your data is where it's supposed to be, you can safely delete the previous system. I'd suggest making sure everything runs OK for a week or so, make sure all your apps work and all your data is there, then delete the previous system.
Jeff

Do I need my previous system folder?

Hi guys,
I reinstalled OSX a month or so ago, but retained my 7GB "previous system" folder. Do I need it? Does my current system use it at all? Or can I erase it to reclaim some free space?
Thanks!
Alec

Alec,
After an Archive and Install, the Previous Systems folder contains the prior OS X system. You will never be able to boot from this previous system folder, and therefore from that aspect it is completely useless. The Previous Systems folder may contain third party items, but when you are satisfied with the performance of your new system it is unlikely that anything of value will remain.
I got rid of mine after a couple of weeks. Be aware that the mere presence of this folder may lead to problems in the future.
This is what Apple says about the Previous System folder: You might wonder, "What do I do with the Previous System folder?" It may contain items that you need. To determine this, once you've finished configuring, installing, and updating your applications, compare the Previous System to the new System. If there are things in the Previous System folder that aren't in the new System folder, just copy them over. If you're not sure what some items are (and don't seem to need them), leave them in the Previous System folder. Once you're comfortable that you've got everything you need out of it, you can delete the Previous System folder (or leave it around if you're not low on disk space).;~)

Trashing Previous System Folder??? Question

Did a archive/install of OS about a week ago.. It was successful.]
Fixed my corrupt issue/Everything is working great.
I've reinstalled applications that I need to...
I've checked to see that everything I want to be here now--is here.
(Music, Photos, Documents, Bookmarks, etc.)---It's all here.
My question is: Is it safe to trash the "Previous Systems" Folder?????
It's presently sitting on my HD. It's (understandably) a big file---I'd like to toss it.
Can I? Safely?
Thanks for your help.

jonnylovemac,
Apple Says:
You might wonder "What do I do with the Previous System folder?" It may contain items that you need. To determine this, once you've finished configuring, installing, and updating your applications, you can compare the Previous System to the new System. If there are things in the Previous System folder that aren't in the new System folder, copy them over or reinstall. If you're not sure what some items are (and don't seem to need them), leave them in the Previous System folder. Once you're comfortable that you've got everything you need out of it, you can delete the Previous System folder (or leave it around if you have enough free disk space).
Based upon what you listed in your post, you can safely trash the Previous System folder.
;~)

How can I restore folders and files from Previous Systems folder

I have been unable to migrate files (or even find the option to migrate files) located in my Previous Systems folder. I've been able to change the Privilege of these files to Read & Write (though my Permissions still indicate "You can only read.") and drag them from my previous Users folder to my current desktop, which creates a situation where I have them but am still unable to alter them (or delete them).
thanks, all.

Here's my exact issue: I've spent many hours converting vinyl records to mp3s, which were then stored in the iTunes folder of my previous system. Upon performing the Archive and Install, all of these files were located in my Previous Systems>Users>"X">Music folder, which initially could not be opened, prompting the notice, "The folder Music could not be opened because you do not have sufficient access privileges." So, I clicked "Get Info" and changed the Privilege from Read Only to Read & Write. From there I could open the folder, and as you pointed out, move these files wherever I chose. The problem is that I can't use them in any practical sense; I can't import them to my iTunes library and I can't delete them, being notified, "The operation can't be completed because backup items can't be modified." Which, would lead me to believe that I have yet to restore them properly.

Can I copy newer system (10.6.8.) from previous system folder after archive and install with (10.5.4)?

Rightyho,
had trouble with extensions in 10.6.8 and had to re-install with original disks 10.5.4.
Did an archive and install.
In my (dated) Previous System Folder are Appl / Library / System / User folders.
Copied my User folder back no problem.
Can that also be done with the newer system? No info in support.
Time Machine won't migrate because of newer system and I have only a disk image of Snow Leopard and can't burn double layer DVDs.
When I tried to order SL DVD from Apple they told me it'll take 3 weeks ...

http://www.maciverse.com/install-os-x-snow-leopard-from-usb-flash-drive.html
How to erase and install Snow Leopard 10.6

Can you access a Leopard previous system folder after upgrading to Snow?

If I have a previous system folder from 10.5, can I copy to my machine running Snow Leopard and access files? I have it archived and want to upgrade a MacBook intel currently using Tiger to either Leopard or Snow Leopard and then access the files.
I see the previous system folder and user on the Tiger machine fine. It shows correct folder sizes, but files do not appear...assuming because it's 10.5.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Bryson

Long story...but basically was using 10.5 regularly, then had some major issues (couldn't even log in at all). Went to reinstall OS but my Leopard system disc was damaged. So went back to 10.4 (had old disc)and copied previous system folder to archive. Was going to buy and reinstall 10.5 but thought about going all the way to SL instead.

Previous systems folder -- what can i delete?

i had to archive my old system and now, in my hard drive, is the "previous systems" folder with the old library and whatnot.
i have moved my personal files (desktop, itunes, word files) into my new system and i'm wondering if i can just delete the entire "previous systems" folder -- or if there are things in there that i should be sure to transfer (like any program or application files), or if deleting that folder might cause any problems.
also, should i just delete the inner "previous system 1" folder (the only folder inside "previous systems") or can i delete the whole folder, prev systems? i don't think it was there before the archive so i assume i can delete it but i wasn't positive.
help! thanks.
Mac OS X (10.4.7)

emillie
There are some things that might need moving: printer software that you added and so on. I suggest that you use the machine for a week or two and if you're content that all is working normally then you can trash it. That's what I did.
Regards
TD

I can't find my Desktop folder on any of my TM backups

Hi everyone,
This is my first forum post, and I'm downright desperate.
I have migrated from my old MBP to a brand new one this weekend, and used Time Machine in an external HD to move my data. I had TM set up since February, with no options/exceptions.
As far as I can tell, everything migrated to the new computer perfectly (applications, preferences, documents, music, cookies, etc) except there is nothing on my Desktop after migration. It just so happens that I have (had?) a folder in my Desktop with all my graduate school work.
I have already looked in TM in all the backups since February, and there is no Desktop folder in my user account folder in any of them. Does this mean that TM has never backed up my Desktop from the beginning???
(BTW, I'm also having trouble to simply search for specific files when I look into the TM backup folder in my external HD. Whenever I use Spotlight, it only finds stuff on other folders in that external HD, but it doesn't return any hits from the TM backup folder, even when I look for files that I can see there just by browsing. How can I solve this?)
If it's true that TM never backed up my Desktop, my problem is then getting to my Desktop in the old computer. Trouble is, I had Leopard reinstalled at the Apple Store when I bought the new computer, since the system was supposedly backed up. As far as I know, the old computer was wiped clean and Leopard reinstalled in about 20 minutes by a Genius.
I have been told by them after the fact to use Data Rescue II to try and scour the old computer's internal drive by booting it up in target mode, but I haven't attempted it yet. I was told that if the Leopard reinstall was done in a specific way, I would be able to get to the old files with Data Rescue II still with their names and folder structures if they haven't been overwritten. However, if it was done 'another way', I would have lost the folders and any recovered files would be restored to a new location under a generic name like 'recover000001'. I'm afraid that in this case I will be overwhelmed by all the files in my old system (even if DRII supposedly recognizes file types), and I won't be able to sort through all of them to get at my important work.
Does anyone know what is the best way to get my data back???? It will be two years of work down the drain if I can't access the contents of that folder on my old Desktop.
Thanks so much for any advice!

V.K. wrote:
Chico Almendra wrote:
Hi everyone,
This is my first forum post, and I'm downright desperate.
I have migrated from my old MBP to a brand new one this weekend, and used Time Machine in an external HD to move my data. I had TM set up since February, with no options/exceptions.
As far as I can tell, everything migrated to the new computer perfectly (applications, preferences, documents, music, cookies, etc) except there is nothing on my Desktop after migration. It just so happens that I have (had?) a folder in my Desktop with all my graduate school work.
I have already looked in TM in all the backups since February, and there is no Desktop folder in my user account folder in any of them. Does this mean that TM has never backed up my Desktop from the beginning???
yes, that's what it means.
I don't understand. Why would it be that TM did not backup my Desktop? The Geniuses were not able to answer this question. I'm completely sure I didn't mark any exceptions when I set it up in February, and I've read other people also had similar problems with some of their folders and/or files (there's another thread where another user lost his Downloads folder; I accidentally replied to it instead of creating this new topic -- my apologies).
(BTW, I'm also having trouble to simply search for specific files when I look into the TM backup folder in my external HD. Whenever I use Spotlight, it only finds stuff on other folders in that external HD, but it doesn't return any hits from the TM backup folder, even when I look for files that I can see there just by browsing. How can I solve this?)
you have to use spotlight from TM interface, not directly from finder. start TM, scroll to a backup and use the search field to start a search.
That worked great; thanks. Is there a way to search across different backup dates in one go, or do I have to keep clicking back through time with the same search string?
If it's true that TM never backed up my Desktop, my problem is then getting to my Desktop in the old computer. Trouble is, I had Leopard reinstalled at the Apple Store when I bought the new computer
I don't understand why
you did that. did you have some problems with your old computer?
I didn't have any problems with the old computer. I was actually giving it to my mother for Mothers Day as her first Mac, and I wanted to make sure she would have as 'brand new' Mac experience as I could provide her.
, since the system was supposedly backed up. As far as I know, the old computer was wiped clean and Leopard reinstalled in about 20 minutes by a Genius.
I have been told by them after the fact to use Data Rescue II to try and scour the old computer's internal drive by booting it up in target mode, but I haven't attempted it yet.
this is your one and only hope of getting anything back if you did an erase and install. if you did an archive and install then old your old data will be in the "previous systems" folder at the top level of the hard drive.
Message was edited by: V.K.
Thanks. You reckon professional data recovery services would come up with more stuff (especially filenames and folder structures) than I would be able to, if I tried using DR myself? I'm terrified of going through my whole HD and sorting out the hundreds of thousands of files that weren't in the desktop in the first place.
I appreciate your help, V.K.; I still cannot get over the fact that TM can be so unreliable. What could have caused this catastrophe on my computer and in other users? They were lucky that they still had their data when they noticed TM wasn't backing it up, and the solutions were bone-chillingly similar to Windows voodoo tricks (e.g. delete the old TM plist, hard reboot, pray, and see if it works now). If this is the case, I can't see any options other than doing full manual backups periodically, but that defeats the TM purpose in the first place. Any thoughts or ideas?
Thanks!

Where did my Previous System folder go?

I upgraded my G5 yesterday from 10.3.9 to 10.5. Everything works fine after the upgrade. But I can't find the Previous System folder that should be on my hard drive.
When I upgraded, I planned to do an Archive and Install and preserve user settings, but I never saw that menu in the installer (I missed the "Options" button, duh). After the upgrade all my user accounts and data were still on the G5, so I'm assuming the installer did an "Archive and Install -- Preserve User Settings" by default.
But I don't have a Previous System folder anywhere on my hard drive. Any ideas what happened?
BTW, I have a clone of my 10.3.9 system on an external hard drive. I am considering doing an Erase and Install on the 10.5.7 internal G5 volume and using Migration Assistant to pull my user accounts from the clone to the internal hard drive. But my 10.5.7 system isn't broken, so maybe I shouldn't try to fix it. :-D

But I don't have a Previous System folder anywhere on my hard drive. Any ideas what happened?
The default installation method preserves your user accounts, data, and applications, but deletes and/or overwrites the previous system files.
(45924)

Can't find Previous System folder

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