HELP Software update cleared mac preferences, browser history, browser bookmarks, ...

chtefke · chtefke #1 (**permalink**)

05-26-2011, 10:35 AM

Dear all,

I just did a regular software update for several programs via 'Software Update...' on my macbook. After the update my macbook was back to the initial settings as they were when I purchased it. Although all my files and downloaded programs (such as chrome, spotify, ...) are still there I lost all my history and bookmarks in my Firefox, Safari and Chrome browser. Does anybody know if there is any way to recover my bookmarks (definitely for chrome!)?!

Buzzard2010 · Buzzard2010 #2 (**permalink**)

05-26-2011, 10:41 AM

Welcome to Mac-Forums chtefke
Do you backup your system using Time Machine or similar? If so then restore to before you updated the software and then update software one update at a time.

- Simon

bobtomay · bobtomay #3 (**permalink**)

05-26-2011, 10:44 AM

And you didn't change your home folder name by chance?

chtefke · chtefke #4 (**permalink**)

05-26-2011, 10:59 AM

Unfortunately don't have a backup..

Also didn't change the home folder name. I just clicked 'Software Update...' in the main drop down menu, it generated a list of things for which there was an update and I clicked 'Install'. After the update the computer restarted and I was back to the original settings and lost history, bookmarks, ... Didn't do anything special, just did the update as I always do it..

vansmith · vansmith #5 (**permalink**)

05-26-2011, 11:07 AM

What updates were there? If you don't remember, go to System Preferences > Software Update > Installed Software and take a look at the updates for the last date.

Your info may still be around - updates shouldn't affect applications and especially those that aren't part of OS X (such as Chrome). Go to Home > Library > Application Support > Google > Chrome > Default. Is there a Bookmarks file there?

chtefke · chtefke #6 (**permalink**)

05-26-2011, 11:13 AM

The updates that were done are
- Security Update 2011-002
- iTunes
- Remote Desktop Client Update
- Safari
- Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 9

Had a look in the default folder, but nothing there..

vansmith · vansmith #7 (**permalink**)

05-26-2011, 01:20 PM

None of those should have deleted any files that pertain to third party applications. Unfortunately, it looks like your Chrome profile (the contents of the Default folder) has been deleted. Unless they're in the Trash, you might be out of luck unless you have some luck with file recovery software.

chtefke · chtefke #8 (**permalink**)

05-26-2011, 01:35 PM

Ok, but it doesn't make any sense to me that everything went back to default, including my general language preference, wallpaper, dock, ... after these updates..

chtefke · chtefke #9 (**permalink**)

05-26-2011, 03:55 PM

Ok, I found the problem. Just before doing the updates I accidentally put the 'library' folder in the 'documents' folder. I immediately tried reverting it, but because something was in use I couldn't do it at the time. Forgot about it afterwards and did the update. What is the best thing to do now without messing something up?

(Found the bookmarks I really needed btw!)

Buzzard2010 #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 22, 2010 Location: Bakewell, UK Posts: 2,532 Mac Specs: iMac G3 800MHz :D \| PowerMac G4 \| MacBook Pro 15" 2.8GHz C2D 500GB HDD 4GB 9600M / 9600M GT 10.7.1	05-26-2011, 10:41 AM Welcome to Mac-Forums chtefke Do you backup your system using Time Machine or similar? If so then restore to before you updated the software and then update software one update at a time. - Simon Rest In Peace Steven Paul Jobs February 24, 1955 - October 5, 2011 [aged 56] If you have been helped, don't forget to use the Reputation system just above the post to the right. May 2011 Nominated: March 2011 & April 2011
	QUOTE Thanks

vansmith #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 19, 2008 Location: Ottawa Posts: 15,325 Mac Specs: 2012 13" MBP (2.5 i5, 8GB)	05-26-2011, 11:07 AM What updates were there? If you don't remember, go to System Preferences > Software Update > Installed Software and take a look at the updates for the last date. Your info may still be around - updates shouldn't affect applications and especially those that aren't part of OS X (such as Chrome). Go to Home > Library > Application Support > Google > Chrome > Default. Is there a Bookmarks file there? Important Links: Community Guidelines : Use the reputation system if you've been helped. M-F Blog :: Write for the blog :: M-F IRC Channel - Chats every Sunday at 8PM EST.
	QUOTE Thanks

vansmith #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 19, 2008 Location: Ottawa Posts: 15,325 Mac Specs: 2012 13" MBP (2.5 i5, 8GB)	05-26-2011, 01:20 PM None of those should have deleted any files that pertain to third party applications. Unfortunately, it looks like your Chrome profile (the contents of the Default folder) has been deleted. Unless they're in the Trash, you might be out of luck unless you have some luck with file recovery software. Important Links: Community Guidelines : Use the reputation system if you've been helped. M-F Blog :: Write for the blog :: M-F IRC Channel - Chats every Sunday at 8PM EST.
	QUOTE Thanks

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chtefke #1 (permalink)
Member Since: May 26, 2011 Posts: 5	05-26-2011, 10:35 AM Dear all, I just did a regular software update for several programs via 'Software Update...' on my macbook. After the update my macbook was back to the initial settings as they were when I purchased it. Although all my files and downloaded programs (such as chrome, spotify, ...) are still there I lost all my history and bookmarks in my Firefox, Safari and Chrome browser. Does anybody know if there is any way to recover my bookmarks (definitely for chrome!)?!
	QUOTE Thanks

chtefke #4 (permalink)
Member Since: May 26, 2011 Posts: 5	05-26-2011, 10:59 AM Unfortunately don't have a backup.. Also didn't change the home folder name. I just clicked 'Software Update...' in the main drop down menu, it generated a list of things for which there was an update and I clicked 'Install'. After the update the computer restarted and I was back to the original settings and lost history, bookmarks, ... Didn't do anything special, just did the update as I always do it..
	QUOTE Thanks

chtefke #6 (permalink)
Member Since: May 26, 2011 Posts: 5	05-26-2011, 11:13 AM The updates that were done are - Security Update 2011-002 - iTunes - Remote Desktop Client Update - Safari - Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 9 Had a look in the default folder, but nothing there..
	QUOTE Thanks

chtefke #8 (permalink)
Member Since: May 26, 2011 Posts: 5	05-26-2011, 01:35 PM Ok, but it doesn't make any sense to me that everything went back to default, including my general language preference, wallpaper, dock, ... after these updates..
	QUOTE Thanks

chtefke #9 (permalink)
Member Since: May 26, 2011 Posts: 5	05-26-2011, 03:55 PM Ok, I found the problem. Just before doing the updates I accidentally put the 'library' folder in the 'documents' folder. I immediately tried reverting it, but because something was in use I couldn't do it at the time. Forgot about it afterwards and did the update. What is the best thing to do now without messing something up? (Found the bookmarks I really needed btw!)
	QUOTE Thanks

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