Looking for something in backup files

Scrivener Scrivener for macOS
1

Hi all:
I am using Scrivener 3.1.5 on a Macbook Pro running OS 10.14.6

I have lost a folder in my project. I am certain I have it in backed up versions of Scrivener - either on my hard drive, via Time Machine. I must have deleted it by accident some unknown time ago.

I am wondering what the best way is to access backed up versions of Scrivener, search for and (hopefully) find the folder I am looking for and then export, drag or otherwise bring the contents of that folder to my current version. What I am most worried about (after the idea of not finding my data) is somehow overriding my current version with a backed up version of Scrivener.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

2

If you are going to restore from a Time Machine backup you should first read the Apple documentation: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT209152.

You can either restore in a different location on your hard drive, or give the project a different name.

3

First things first: take a copy of your current project. Just drag if, while holding Option, to Downloads or wherever you are comfortable. Then, rename it – I usually append ‘save’ or similar.

Relax. Your project is safe.

If you have no idea when you accidentally deleted the missing folder, then you are going to have to search for it.

I’d first check the oldest backup. Copy it to Downloads, open it, and see what you have. You may strike lucky.

If not…

Note that when you restore something from Time Machine you can choose the location of the restores files. You do not have to overwrite your existing project during a restore.

From my tech days, you probably want to perform a binary chop search (see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_search_algorithm). Basically, restore the oldest backup of the project from TM. Examine it. If no joy, take the midpoint (between the oldest and the latest) backup . Examine. And so on, until you find best version of your missing folder.

HTH and good luck