Unable to recover data from Time Machine backup in OS X Mojave.
Unable to recover data from Time Machine backup in OS X Mojave.
Hey everyone. I'm dealing with a Windows workstation and my experience with macOS is limited to quick glances. I’m comfortable navigating the OS and can look up solutions online, but I’m stuck on something basic: I can’t restore files or the system from Time Machine. Background info: I mistakenly upgraded her system to Catalina during routine maintenance (probably because of the quarantine time crunch). The issue became clear when I realized her Adobe CS6, essential for work, wouldn’t run—though I found a Photoshop workaround, but she actually needs InDesign, which is a 32-bit application. What I’ve done so far: checked Time Machine integration, made one last backup, verified its integrity, downloaded macOS Mojave from the App Store (I used a bootable High Sierra USB and updated it from another installer since direct installation caused errors), created a bootable USB, wiped the main HDD, performed a clean install of macOS, and we’re now at macOS Mojave version 10.14.6. Problem: During setup I attempted to use the Migration Assistant “restore from a Time Machine Backup.” On “Transfer Information to This Mac,” the AirPort Time Capsule appeared. Below it, there’s the macOS spinner saying “Looking for other sources…” I selected the Time Capsule, clicked Continue, and entered her password (intentionally wrong just to test). But nothing happened—screen reset to point 2. I tried entering the password again, but it didn’t progress. For reference: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203981. I can hear the hard drive spinning in the Time Capsule and see it listed in Finder under drives, showing a Data folder with “wifey's iMac.backupbundle,” which looks huge. In the time I wrote this, Finder was still calculating its size. Lastly, her system specs: 27-inch iMac, late 2013/2014, MacOS Mojave 10.14.6, Intel Core i7-4771 3.5 GHz, 32GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 4GB. Please let me know what you think!
You modified the Time Machine backup during your time on Catalina. That means restoring from the latest version won’t work on the older one—you’ll need to retrieve files yourself.
FFS, the idea that it just works seems to be overrated. I'll look it up a bit more and let you know what I find. Appreciate the quick reply! I could actually try the Creative Cloud options, but I'm worried the old workstation from 2013 might not handle the newer, heavier versions well. I really wanted to skip getting a new iMac until this one becomes too much to manage...
I wanted to understand that part more clearly. I even glanced at the downgrading section thinking "I’ve got a backup." Now I’m ready to pull individual files from a 700GB backup. Note: This wasn’t marked as solved yet. There’s still a chance. I have backups from before Catalina stored in the Time Machine—about two copies after the updates. Unless the install is affecting those older ones, they should be safe. Updated March 26, 2020 by gregg_goldstein
The latest update appears to enhance the database functionality, making it difficult for previous versions to access or retrieve older backups automatically. However, you may still be able to search manually using the option to explore other Time Machine disks.
Thanks for the update. Currently I'm considering two methods. I think I'll stick with the manual approach as you recommended, unless I discover more about what User @Winterflags shared on Apple Stack Exchange: MacOS Catalina has changed how Time Machine backups are stored. The new .backupbundle format isn't recognized by MacOS Mojave. Apple Support mentions a special method exists but hasn't made it public, likely to push users toward Catalina. Instead of dealing with that, I'm planning to switch to MacOS Catalina and attempt to recover my backups from there.
Just spend cash on fixing things. If I’d been ready to pay for a Creative Cloud plan, none of this would have occurred. That’s why I left the Apple environment—I’d rather endure a forced Windows update than deal with unauthorized changes to my backups. How could the operating system alter your backup files without warning? I’m planning to try manual recovery now and will call Apple Support tomorrow to find a way to fix the TM backup format issue. I’m not sure I’ll finish then, so I might be halfway done or spend time trying to restore everything, hoping a quick fix from Apple’s experts comes along.
I consulted a senior Apple Support specialist for two hours; we went over the issue thoroughly and tried multiple approaches that failed. They were highly knowledgeable and passionate, and I’m confident I wouldn’t have reached a different conclusion if I’d spoken to another person. Essentially, this situation is quite unusual and wasn’t part of Apple’s expected scenarios, as their current guides and internal records don’t provide a fix. There’s no recognized method to revert .backupbundle to .sparesbundle that Apple supports, and neither I nor the technician have found a third-party option that works at this time. This doesn’t mean such a solution won’t appear later. Therefore, a feasible workaround I’m planning is to revert to Catalina, restore all files, and then install macOS Mojave in a virtual machine using Parallels or Oracle (unless someone suggests another path).