Unable to restore files from Time Machine backups

heidernm wrote:

I recently needed to wipe my main hard drive clean and I used migration assistant to restore from a time machine backup successfully now but when I try to use time machine to restore files from previous backups, every folder i go to is blank when looking through past backups. Any help?

Trouble Shooting Time Machine

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/time-machine-troubleshooting-mh15653/mac

heidernm wrote:

I tried the Shift Command C option and I am able to navigate to the user library from previous backups but they all have a red icon with a '-' symbol and the folders are empty

Sounds like the data base is corrupt or failed...

heidernm wrote:

I've looked on this page and so far none of it really pertains to my situation. Is there maybe a way to recover files from the backups manually?

3-2-1 Backup Strategy: three copies of your data, two different methods, and one offsite.

How to create a boot clone  https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-10081

Back up your Mac with Time Machine: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250

From the Finder you can try use the keys Shift Command C    to enter TM

This will bring upfront your main drive. You can now scroll back in time. Once you get where you want you can then open the drive and scroll down to your user library and then documents, downloads, etc. and find the item you want. Then copy to desktop and use or move from there.

Mac inherits your backup history - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/if-your-new-mac-inherits-your-backup-history-mh35732/mac