Can I restore a Mac to an earlier date after a failed restore from a Time Machine Backup?

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Can I restore a Mac to an earlier date after a failed restore from a Time Machine Backup?

I was concerned that my iMac was running very slowly and did a disk erase and software reinstall. This was followed by using Migration Assistant to restore files from a Time Machine backup. This appeared to work, but shortly afterwards i noticed that I have now got two User id's. This has resulted in many issues, for example I now have no access to Reminders on the iMac but still have them on other kit e.g. iPhones. The iMac is now slower than ever. Could I restore the Mac to an even earlier Time Machine Backup and aim too fill any data file gaps from copies I have or should I save all key files, wipe the hard drive, reinstall the OS then restate the key files?

Any advice on the steps to be taken would be much appreciated.

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 13.7

Posted on Jan 8, 2025 8:46 AM

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Answer 1

PRP_53

Level 10

93,109 points

Jan 9, 2025 2:52 AM in response to Knottmac

You are welcome on both counts

Personally, I would only setup your User Account via Setup Asset and nothing more

Leave everything else alone, especially Applications

Install all applications Freshly from the Apple Apps Store or directly from the Developer(s)

The slowness you mentioned, could be caused by some Third Party Application(s)

You can always, at a later time Restore Individual Personal files

Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant

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Answer 2

Knottmac Author

Level 1

10 points

Jan 9, 2025 2:37 AM in response to PRP_53

Thank you for replying.

I think I understand your suggested plan. Would you suggest using the latest Time Machine Backup (TMB) or a dat earlier than my previous effort? Is there a risk that using the latest TMB will include the ‘conflicts’ that are causing the current slow running?

Thanks again

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Answer 3

Knottmac Author

Level 1

10 points

Jan 15, 2025 6:32 AM in response to PRP_53

Hi. Most of this process has gone okay, thanks again. However, one substantial issue I have hit is that my only copy of my Music files is on a Time Machine backup. I do not appear to be able to restore these files as they have a Red Minus sign against the folders. I have a copy of the whole of my music file on an iPad, but I understand that you can't simply restore files from an iPad as the standard process wants to overwrite the iPad file from the Mac, not the other way around.

Any thoughts?

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