I have this file that I want to restore, that is a system file, normally stored on /tmp.
If I open Finder, and select GO > GO TO FOLDER
I type /tmp on the window and it opens /private/tmp (???? why ?)
Anyway, the file is not there, but the file was there 5 days ago. I open time machine and it shows me an empty window If I go back in type, but if I type the name of the file on the finder search box, I see several versions of the file (one day ago, two days ago, etc.). I select one of them, but the RESTORE BUTTON is disabled. I right click on a file and select RESTORE TO, but nothing happens…
How do I select a system file from days ago from a time machine backup?
Yes, I am sure the file is there.
thanks.
Best Answer
Unfortunately, you're not going to be able to recover that file using Time Machine. There are a number of files and directories that Time Machine does not back up—primarily cache and temporary files. This includes the files in the
/tmpdirectory. The directory itself (minus contents) is backed up, because it is necessary for a reinstall.The complete list of exclusions can be found in
/System/Library/CoreServices/backupd.bundle/Contents/Resources/StdExclusions.plistᔥ Devin Lane: Time Machine Exclusions