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)

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Missing Previous System Folder

Hello,
I have searched the forums and have not found an answer to my question, so I shall post it.
I did an Archive and Install from my Tiger Install DVD. I was downgrading from 10.4.9 to 10.4 becuase I was having problems with FInal Cut.
I took the necessary steps to save my old preferences. After the A&S I downloaded the 10.4.8 combo pack and installed that.
Now I cannot find the "Previous System Folder" that is supposed to hold all of my old prefs. I have a folder called System Folder (from old mac) but it is dated 2006.
Searches through the finder have not turned up anything.
Any ideas on where the bugger might be hiding?
Thank you

That's because for the most part Spotlight (or Finder's Find) doesn't search outside the /Applications and /Users folders.

Just reinstalled Snow Leopard - where's the "previous system" located?

I just successfully reinstalled Snow Leopard. I'm satisfied my new system works fine, so I'd like to delete the previous system - as I've done in the past before Snow Leopard.
Is there a "Previous System" folder lurking around somewhere on my hard disk? If so, where did it go?
Thanks!

Is there a "Previous System" folder lurking around somewhere on my hard disk?
No. All of the components which would be located in it are either part of the current system or were deleted during the installation.
(50725)

Trashing "previous systems" folder - applications in use by current system

Hi, Ive made a total mess of reinstalling tiger (probably cos I didnt do a clean install).
everything is working fine, but now ive got a "previous systems" folder on my hardrive that weighs something like 40GB. I was advised it was okay to trash this folder as so long as i'd got any user prefernces out of application support and copied them to the new system. I did this, but next time I went to open my email I was told I couldnt because the application was located in the trash. i tried opening text edit also, and the same problem. so the new system is clearly running applications out of the previous system folder. why?
can someone please tell me how to sort this out? my harddisk is now overflowing due to this folder, and I dont know what i can and cant delete from it (or even where to put the stuff I DONT delete). Help!

There may be a way to get the previous Home Directory files from
the old Previous System folder; and under certain conditions, this
is possible. The error in your current situation appears to be due
to not selecting to save old user accounts & settings in the new one.
"How to get files from previous home directory - after Archive & Install"
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107297
"About installation options - Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5..."
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1545
"Peachpit: Installing, upgrading, Backing Up, and Restoring..."
http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=454796&seqNum=3
Some ideas, not all valid, as found in a search of these terms:
{ restoring previous system Mac OS X } - Google Search
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=restoringprevious+system+Mac+OS+X&btnG=GoogleSearch
There are times where it is preventative to have a backup clone on
some external bootable hard disk drive; and test it before proceeding
in an upgrade or update, then you could revert back by bringing the
clone back into the computer's hard disk drive, if needed. Without a
cloned system, or ideally a complete hard drive clone, this is harder.
Good luck & happy computing!

How do I do back to previous system folder after archive and install?

Did an archive and install (retaining my existing user account), only to discover it was unnecessary. (Turns out the problem was hardware-related.)
How do I go back to using my previous system folder?

FloydianSlip wrote:
Huh. Hardly seems to be worth "archiving" if you can't go back to the archive.
The purpose of an *Archive & Install* is to install a fresh, known-good copy of the OS, while preserving in the archive all the files from the previous copy of the installed OS that you might potentially need for some reason. (This is why it is called an Archive & Install.)
However, since any of these archived files might have been damaged in some way since they were installed or created, or in some way conflict with a freshly installed OS, they cannot be considered "known-good" without further testing & should not be reintroduced haphazardly into the "live" system.
The value of this install method should be obvious if you consider that if the OS is sufficiently damaged it will not run the computer, either at all or well enough to recover from whatever damage is done. Without this option, you would have to erase the existing startup disk completely (with the *Erase & Install* method), losing everything created or installed besides what is contained in the OS installer.
The closest equivalents to the kind of archive that you can "go back to" are cloning the entire drive or using the 'restore from Time Machine' option from the installer DVD's Utilities menu, assuming you use Time Machine.

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.

Are Itunes playlists stored in Previous System folder

I re-installed Leopard and my old files are stored in a folder called previous system. I tried to find back the playlists that I had running under Itunes, but I can not find them in this previous system folder. Therefore my questions: Are they backed-up into this folder and if so, where are they located.
Thanks in advance.
Jan

Unless you made a separate backup, playlists are referenced in the iTunes Library file and the iTunes Library .XML file: iTunes: How to backup and restore playlists
The iTunes Library (iTunes Library.itl in Windows) database file holds all the information about your songs (Playlists, Ratings, Play Counts, Last Played, Date Added, etc). You'll get more information including the Folder/File structure in this article: What are the iTunes library files?

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

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

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.

Post Leopard Installation - Transfer data from "Previous System" folder

After the first attempt to install Leopard and got the evil blue screen, I had to reinstall my old Tiger from the original installation disks, then attempted a new installation of Leopard. This time I chose Archive and Install as one support article suggested, and chose Preserve user and network settings as instructed. This time the Leopard installation was successful, but now how do I retrieve my data (photos/itunes/mail)etc. from the "Previous System" folders?

There should be no need to sync the files. A previous system folder happens when you do an archive and install, so what's in that folder is identical to what your Mac was when you last did one. Presumably you've changed a lot of things since then and wouldn't want to go back.
Unless there are a few files you deleted and want back, then just copy them over. Then delete the entire thing, it's using up disk space.
Kevin

Moving Previous systems folder

I have just upgraded my OS to Tiger on a G3 Tower that only has 12 Gig. I did an archive and install, which I now regret, but I did it. Now I am out of disk space. The "previous system" folder is 2.75 gig and I have been trying to move it to my external drive. It takes forever to "prepare to move" roughly 33,000 files. Then, when it actually starts to move them, I get a "permissions" error and a choice of skipping them. I choose to skip them and the "move" terminates. How can I move this folder to my external drive?"
Thank you.
G3 Tower Mac OS X (10.3.9) Turqoise

It is not necessary to move the entire Previous System. First delete the Apple apps and utilities from the Previous System, this will give you some space. The other Third Party apps and utilities have already been moved. Those found in the Previous System are not compatible.
The entire old System folder can be trashed. Drivers for your hardware have been upgraded or moved to a current location.
What you are most interested in are located in your Home folder. The Preferences for the Third Party applications can be moved from User/Preferences (previous) to User/Preferences (new).
Do the same for the Preferences located in Library/Preferences
Be sure to Fix Disk Permissions along the way.

No Previous System folder?

OK this gonna sound a little weird. I just upgraded to Leopard from Tiger three days ago. With Superduper now Leopard-able it seemed like a good time. After studying this forum I decided to do an Archive and Install. It all went well and after letting spotlight catch up, I installed the updates to 10.5.2 using the Combo Updater method (I really do read these forums!).
Here's the question: I search for a Previous System folder using spotlight and nothing shows up. With Archive and Install, that should be there, right? It's not. What happened? Did I get a standard upgrade instead? Even though I carefully set up the Archive and Install?
ps I'm had 3-4 kernel panics so far so I'm not a totally happy Leopard-er. I'm considering another Archive and Install or even an Erase and migrate.

Spotlight actually does not index/search many of the top-level folders, including System, Library, and Previous Systems (although it does search some of their subfolders).
See this Knowledge Base article (applies to Tiger, but I don't believe the specifics have changed in 10.5).
Matt

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.
;~)

Misplaced user names in Previous System folder

Hello.
I had to reinstalled 10.3 because when I tried to do a Migration to my new Imac the network was not working. When I went to the System Pref and opened Networks it displayed an error message that said "Your network settings have been change by another application. And it was stuck in a loop. I would click OK and the message would come right back. So I did a restore and my old user names got put into the (Previous System) folder when it was done and it gave me a new user name and I can't access the old ones. Is there any way to get them back. Right now I'm stuck with the new user name I was asked to enter during restore. I can't get to any of my old stuff like movies or song,email and the like. When I drill down through the Previous system/users/me/Movies etc, I find that those folders are locked and I don't have access to them. I have faith that one of you geniuses will be able to solve this.
Thanks
Kman's wife
O-woman

Welcome To  Discussions O-woman!
Unfortunately you didn't join us earlier to ask about your initial issue;
"...an error message that said "Your network settings have been change by another application."
As the solution for that can be found HERE, authored by Jona!
However, see if the info here How to get files from a previous home directory after an Archive & Install helps.
ali b

Where did my Previous System folder go?

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