iCloud: Once You're in, You're Never Getting Out

[neilf]

Ann, there is a lot to digest in your post.

First, even if you turn on storage in iCloud, Finder will still report that the files and folders are on the Desktop and in the Documents folder, so if Finder is reporting nothing is there it's because nothing is there, or in iCloud. Being empty is a sign that at some point the system was putting files into iCloud but that the service was stopped. That is also sort of verified by this archive you say you found. It may be that the system, when the storage in iCloud was turned off, put what it had in that archive for you. Hard to tell, there is not enough detail in your post to be 100% sure.

As for this: I would suspect that what think of as "converted" was actually the time they ware being downloaded from iCloud to your local machine and then opened. What makes you think a conversion process was happening? I bet it was that it took some time to open, which was the download time, not a conversion time.

The password or account information is incorrect. Maybe he changed it and forgot to tell you?

Are the documents you want on his machine showing on the iCloud Drive and in iCloud? If so, the proper way to turn off the storage in the cloud and preserve the documents is to copy them from the iCloud to somewhere NOT on the Desktop or in the Documents folder of his home folder. Most folks choose to store them on an external, but you can put them on the internal drive in something as long as it is NOT Desktop or Documents. It may take some time to download them all, so be patient. Once you have them all, you can turn off the function in System Preferences and the system will create new, empty Desktop folder and new, empty Documents folder. Once done, you can then copy the files and folders from where you stored them in the download phase to these two new empty locations and everything should be as you want.

Oh heck, you have confused me now! Can you please tell me what is the difference between iCloud and iCloud Drive? I also am see files as being in "iCloud Drive (archive)" and I haven't turned anything on or off.

 

[IWT]

@Marrk

If you can bring yourself to go back to posts #13, 21 and 22 -

You don't have iCloud ticked, therefore you don't see the "Options" alongside it. Therefore you don't have Desktop & Documents ticked. Therefore you don't have that problem.

@ann,

iCloud is primarily a means of syncing "things" across multiple devices, eg, Safari, Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Keychain, Notes, Reminders and so on. That includes Mac, iPhones & iPads.

iCloud has an additional function - backing up iDevices; if you turn that option On on those devices ( iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch).

iCloud Drive is a separate thing. It can be used to backup data of virtually any kind; usually Files and Folders from any of your devices, Macs and iDevices. Think of it as a huge Hard Drive in the sky where you can store things and these things are accessible from all devices if you so choose.

Ian

 

[Marrk]

@ian: A useful clarification/recapitulation. Thank you.

 

[pm-r]

@ian: A useful clarification/recapitulation. Thank you.

+1!!!

Too bad that Apple can't seem to explain their iCloud setup and use as clearly!!!


- Patrick
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[chscag]

Too bad that Apple can't seem to explain their iCloud setup and use as clearly!!!

Patrick: Are you saying Apple's explanation of iCloud is "cloudy"? Sorry, couldn't help the pun.

 

[pm-r]

Patrick: Are you saying Apple's explanation of iCloud is "cloudy"? Sorry, couldn't help the pun.

Yup... How else could you explain the lack of understanding by so many??? And I think I could include myself in that group as well.

If you want some crazy misunderstanding, try having a look at iCloud preferences or even accessing iCloud drive when using OS Mavericks 10.9.5. That's almost to hoot that is almost like it was just somebody's dream, but amazingly, most of it actually sort of works even though I don't have much use for it.


- Patrick
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[Rod]

I suppose most of us have acquired knowledge of the many Mac changes over time as they occurred in each upgrade/update, rather than leaving settings unchanged over many macOS's. Discovering multiple changes and or additional options/features only when a problem occurs. It's one of the great advantages of a forum like this that I stay abreast of changes and spend a lot of time researching the implications of those changes for others.

 

[chscag]

It's one of the great advantages of a forum like this that I stay abreast of changes and spend a lot of time researching the implications of those changes for others.

I wholeheartedly agree. I remember buying my first Mac (white 2008 MacBook) based on a recommendation from my son who has owned Macs for years. I joined this forum and another back then and proceeded to learn from others. A very valuable experience.

However, the average Mac or PC owner never joins a forum or even tries to further their knowledge about the computer they own.

 

[Marrk]

I wholeheartedly agree. I remember buying my first Mac (white 2008 MacBook) based on a recommendation from my son who has owned Macs for years. I joined this forum and another back then and proceeded to learn from others. A very valuable experience.

However, the average Mac or PC owner never joins a forum or even tries to further their knowledge about the computer they own.

My first was a MacPlus. Bought it in 1990. It's in its original box in my bedroom. Needless to say, there was no forum in those days. Mighty glad we have this forum today.

 

[pm-r]

However, the average Mac or PC owner never joins a forum or even tries to further their knowledge about the computer they own.

+1. I would tend to agree Charlie, except perhaps for those who have run into some trouble and really do need help, and for some, they cannot get it any other way.


- Patrick
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[Rod]

I suppose it would be fair to call us enthusiasts. When I had bikes as a boy I built my own, raced them, customised them, modified them and repaired them. I spent a lot of time hanging around bike shops. Later it became motor bikes, then cars, camping, fishing, home renovation and somewhere in there computers entered my life. I took the same avid interest and enthusiasm in each.
Today my interests have shifted to less physically demanding activities but my enthusiasm remains the same.
I don't service my own car any more but I still can't understand people who don't check the oil, tire pressure or radiator levels.
Many people just want and expect things to work (as advertised) and I'm not saying that's wrong, they just have other areas of interest.