While messing around with system files or folders, some users may end up accidentally deleting a system file or system folder. But what happens if this occurs? The answer is pretty simple: the system you once loved for its stability will start acting up and in a worst-case scenario might even stop working altogether.
What can users do in such a situation? Well, restoring that deleted system file or folder is naturally of utmost importance.
To achieve this goal there are only three options:
- Restore the file from Trash.
- Restore the Mac from a backup.
- Reinstall macOS.
Is it so easy to delete system files?
Actually, it’s pretty easy to end up with system files in the trash; just remember your early days as a newbie with macOS. Since multiple system folders are easily accessible through Finder, novice Mac users attempting to map their new operating system will likely end up in folders where they shouldn’t be.
Just a quick example: it’s easy to confuse the user’s Library folder with the System Library folder and start deleting various files in the belief that user files are being cleared away. Or a novice user with admin privileges might manually delete cache or temporary files from macOS after reading a vague instructional article on some blog and could inadvertently remove important system files.
Additionally, sometimes the unfounded opinion of being an advanced user can lead someone without the proper knowledge to use the powerful “sudo remove” command in Terminal. Such commands are unforgiving in their functions and may pose as a risk to system stability if used by inexperienced users.
The list of examples could go on but to cut a long story short, imagine a high-powered vacuum cleaner in a children’s room where they’ve been playing with LEGO bricks. If used in the wrong area, all those LEGO pieces will be sucked into the machine, but if used with care and knowledge of where is safe to vacuum, then the children’s playtime will remain intact.
Restoring deleted system files
Check the trash can
This is the first place that every user should check for deleted system files or folders. As with every item removed from the Mac they will first land here, and if the Trash hasn’t been emptied in the meantime, then chances are the file(s) can be recovered before anything goes wrong. If these files are here, simply select the file or folder, right-click, and choose “Put Back” from the available options or drag it into the desired area.
Use time machine backup
Depending on your Mac, the process can take anywhere from half an hour to a couple of hours. If you’ve followed this article, let us know how it went in the comments section below. Did you encounter any issues during the reinstall? Was the problem solved?
István F.
Adam B.
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