When restoring from a TimeMachine backup, it is possible to encounter duplicate user folders for a single user. This can occur if the backup was taken while the user account was in an inconsistent state, or if there was a technical issue during the backup process. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to fix this issue.
Verify the contents of the duplicate user folders: The first step is to verify the contents of the duplicate user folders to ensure that they contain the same files and folders. If they do, you can safely delete one of the duplicate folders. Mac’s
Delete one of the duplicate user folders: Once you have verified the contents of the duplicate folders, you can delete one of them. To do this, simply right-click on the folder and select “Move to Trash”. You will be prompted to enter your administrator password to confirm the deletion.
Merge the contents of the duplicate user folders: If the contents of the duplicate user folders are not identical, you may need to merge them. This can be a more complex process, but it can be done by copying files and folders from one folder to the other, being careful to avoid overwriting files with the same name.
Reset file permissions: Once you have deleted or merged the duplicate user folders, you may need to reset the file permissions for the remaining folder. To do this, right-click on the folder and select “Get Info”. In the “Sharing & Permissions” section, click the lock icon and enter your administrator password. Then, click the “+” button and add your user account to the list of users with “Read & Write” access. Finally, click the gear icon and select “Apply to enclosed items” to apply the changes to all files and folders within the user folder.
Restart your computer: Finally, it is recommended that you restart your computer to ensure that all changes are properly applied.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the issue of duplicate user folders after restoring from a Time Machine backup. If you encounter any issues or have any questions, please feel free to reach out for further assistance.