Apple has improved macOS ’s upgrade cognitive process tremendously over the age . With recent release , it ’s rare something goes pear - shaped and prevents an acclivity from completing . However , you may sometimes wind up in an in - between land , as one reader happen . Your news report migrated with all their datum , but on each restart , macOS loses changes to startup items , System Preferences configurations , and even app registration . The inauguration volume passes all tests with fly colors : safe mode , First Aid in Disk Utility , reinstalling the operating system from macOS Recovery , and the like .

At this stage , you have only two pick :

In all cases , you do n’t vary any of your files or make any deletions . The problem appear to be in how macOS get over what it should be consult at inauguration .

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Reinstall your user via Migration Assistant

You typically use Migration Assistant to move over a former startup bulk to a new Mac or a like transfer . However , Migration Assistant get you put in specific users from a backup book . Warning : The following whole step lumber you out of your invoice to perform the migration .

render draw changes that previously failed . If they mold now , you’re able to delete the older account statement :

If the above did n’t get you back to your premature workings state , try the next two solutions .

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Perform a full reinstall and restore

you may take more drastic mensuration at this decimal point if the above did n’t work :

When complete , does your account now keep change ? If so , kibosh here and make a fresh backup .

If not , there ’s one more thing to hear .

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Migrate to a new account manually

Because you reinstalled macOS in the old step and migrated all your applications from the backup , you’re able to quash both of those operations .

Instead , you ’re go to create a fresh write up and move your files there . Go toSystem Preferences > Users & Groupsand create a new account : click the + sign of the zodiac , name the report , and give it administrative privileges .

Because Apple does n’t let you typically re-create directly from account to account without messing around with permissions , you could use theUsers > Sharedfolder as an medium step .

First , while access to your broken substance abuser account , re-create everything you need to the Shared folder . Most of your personal files probably live in Documents and Photos : hold down the choice Francis Scott Key and drag those into the Shared folder . Do the same for other files . ( you’re able to check down Command alternatively of choice to move those brochure to Shared if you lack enough computer memory and can rely on a backup of your main user account if you need to resort to it . )

Next , sign out of this incorrect account and into the Modern one you created :

It may be difficult or clip - consuming to set up up some app , particularly those that have elaborate permissions . apply the app developer ’s Web site to find if the company offers direction on finding the configurations files — often deeply in ~/Library/ in various subfolders like software program Support and Preferences . Also reverse to a search engine for help from others who have gone through the same restoration .

This Mac 911 clause is in reply to a dubiousness resign by Macworld reader Michael .

Ask Mac 911

We ’ve compile a lean of the interrogation we get asked most frequently , along with response and links to column :   interpret our tops FAQ   to see if your question is continue . If not , we ’re always looking for young problems to solve ! Email yours tomac911@macworld.com , include screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used . Not every doubt will be serve , we do n’t reply to e-mail , and we can not bring home the bacon direct troubleshooting advice .