retrieving files after logging out of "guest" account

macmama · #1 03-30-2009, 07:00 AM

I made the horrible mistake of logging out of a "guest" account without saving my files into a shared folder... is there any way of retrieving files that I created during the time I was logged in? Help!

**mmkerc** · #2 03-30-2009, 12:46 PM

It depends on how the guest account was setup. First thing is to try and log back on to see if you have access to the files. If you don't, it probability be best to talk with network admin.

**mrcqm** · #3 03-31-2009, 08:32 AM

Unless I'm mistaken, the definition of a guest account is you were given a clean desktop when you created it and it was cleaned again when you logged out. I don't think the files were saved.

I found this article which discusses this. Hopefully this is not the case.

nwbmac · #4 10-25-2009, 01:03 AM

Several of us have lost all of our data and software applications after installing snow leopard and using "Guest Account". Apple expert told me to disable "Guest Account". No one seems to know exactly how the loss occurs because not everyone seems to suffer the losses. But they do know that "guest account" is part of the mix.

Anyone on mactalk have this problem? or know the solution. What it looks like is that when one logs in under the administrator account, the computer logs him into what looks like the "guest account". I am an imac newbie.

**mmkerc** · #5 10-25-2009, 08:20 AM

NOTE that your issue is slightly, but significant different than that of the original post. There is a known bug with snow leopard that Apple is working to fix regarding guest accounts. See this for more info on the issue.

The only work around if you need to use guest accounts, is to disable guest accounts, and create a "visitor" account as mentioned in the article. Only recovery method is from a backup if you used one (Time Machine?).

Also, and I mention this only because you indicate you are a new mac user, this issue from all reports only happens if you upgraded from Leopard to Snow Leopard with a particular configuration of accounts in Leopard. I tried to duplicate the problem and failed. So if you purchased your Mac with Snow Leopard and are having this problem make sure the Apple tech knows you did not upgrade from Leopard.

nwbmac · #6 10-25-2009, 05:24 PM

I did upgrade frome leapord and initially all seemed well until i was asked to do an upgrade. The upgrade had something to do with itune. Anyway this upgrade required a restart. I shut off the machine and then started the machine. During the restart I was presented with some choices between options having to do with keychain. I do not monkey with the keychain and tried to take the most benign option (I don't remember the details). Now when I logged in to the administrators account I noticed desktop files, and all other files and some applications (palm, open office in particular) gone.

I noticed that the date of the itune upgrade was the exact date that most of my remaining files were "last modified". After the SL upgrade I had carefully checked the operation of the unit and convinced myself that I could begin to put permanent files, data, and pictures in for editing. But before I could edit and backup, the itune event occurred and lost most data and software. I think the restart is part of the mix. More than just relogging in. Thanks for your response. I had pictures of my son's wedding, once in a lifetime. Hope someone can help me find them.

**mmkerc** · #7 10-25-2009, 07:02 PM

You might want to try getting a program like Data Rescue II to see if you can recover the files. If you think you may do that note that the more you write to the hard drive the less likely you will be able to recover the file.

Also strongly encourage you to use time machine to backup you files. You can get an 250gb external hard drive for about $100 and the setup with TM is easy.

**mrcqm** · #8 10-26-2009, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmkerc

You might want to try getting a program like Data Rescue II to see if you can recover the files. If you think you may do that note that the more you write to the hard drive the less likely you will be able to recover the file.

Also strongly encourage you to use time machine to backup you files. You can get an 250gb external hard drive for about $100 and the setup with TM is easy.

Great advice regarding backing up files. Regardless of the OS platform backing up all data files prior to performing an OS upgrade is "best practice". I personally consider it a required step.