Belay that last request. Although the vCards wouldn't import from a backup, I was able to import them from my ISP address book.
I'm not sure why you were trying to import them in the first place, since your new installation had no contacts. You could just have dragged the old contacts file over to your new library.
That probably would have worked in another OS X; however, there is NO users' Library in the Mavericks that downloaded. If it's hidden, I don't know how to unhide it.
In this copy, the only items that appear under Users are Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Movies, Music, Pictures, and Public. Nothing else. NO library.
HDD shows Applications, Library (which has Application Support that doesn't contain Address Book), System, and Users. Nothing else.
If you can tell me how to find the Users' Library, I'll try again to drag and drop the old contacts into it. I'm simply lost with Mavericks.
I had tried using Migration Assistant, but the choices were too ambiguous and non specific. I tried transferring what I thought the minimum should be, so I wouldn't carry over the original problem. It took 12 hours and the problem was still there. I had to do another clean install and gave up transferring anything. That's probably why I don't see the Users' library, but I won't try again and end up with the same old problem that I had when I didn't use Clean Install. You convinced me of that. I'm not saying Users' Library doesn't exist as Contacts now contains my old addresses that I imported from my ISP. I just can't see it.
I still have those addresses in the Downloads folder. They show up as a single card labeled: 'plaxo_ab_vcard.vcf' Could Contacts be seeing the addresses in Downloads? I don't plan to delete that file - in case that's so. I'm not technically savvy to know how this works. Mavericks is a complete mystery to me. I know the apps I use for productivity, but I don't know what's under the hood of OS X 10.9.1 or its multitude of idiosyncrasies. I was barely literate with my previous OS Snow Leopard.
That's why I have to pick the brains of AI members and why I'm so grateful that AI exists.
Do you have a Users' Library in your copy of Mavericks? Maybe Apple, in its infinite wisdom, hid it so idiots like me couldn't access it and screw it up.
That probably would have worked in another OS X; however, there is NO users' Library in the Mavericks that downloaded. If it's hidden, I don't know how to unhide it.
In this copy, the only items that appear under Users are Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Movies, Music, Pictures, and Public. Nothing else. NO library.
HDD shows Applications, Library (which has Application Support that doesn't contain Address Book), System, and Users. Nothing else.
If you can tell me how to find the Users' Library, I'll try again to drag and drop the old contacts into it. I'm simply lost with Mavericks.
I had tried using Migration Assistant, but the choices were too ambiguous and non specific. I tried transferring what I thought the minimum should be, so I wouldn't carry over the original problem. It took 12 hours and the problem was still there. I had to do another clean install and gave up transferring anything. That's probably why I don't see the Users' library, but I won't try again and end up with the same old problem that I had when I didn't use Clean Install. You convinced me of that. I'm not saying Users' Library doesn't exist as Contacts now contains my old addresses that I imported from my ISP. I just can't see it.
I still have those addresses in the Downloads folder. They show up as a single card labeled: 'plaxo_ab_vcard.vcf' Could Contacts be seeing the addresses in Downloads? I don't plan to delete that file - in case that's so. I'm not technically savvy to know how this works. Mavericks is a complete mystery to me. I know the apps I use for productivity, but I don't know what's under the hood of OS X 10.9.1 or its multitude of idiosyncrasies. I was barely literate with my previous OS Snow Leopard.
That's why I have to pick the brains of AI members and why I'm so grateful that AI exists.
Do you have a Users' Library in your copy of Mavericks? Maybe Apple, in its infinite wisdom, hid it so idiots like me couldn't access it and screw it up.
It's another example of where a simple Google or Apple Support search would immediately have yielded the answer. The directory structure hasn't changed - the Library directories are just hidden by default.
From the Finder, in the "Go" menu, choose "Go to Folder..." and then type "~/Library".
It's another example of where a simple Google or Apple Support search would immediately have yielded the answer. The directory structure hasn't changed - the Library directories are just hidden by default.
From the Finder, in the "Go" menu, choose "Go to Folder..." and then type "~/Library".
Of course, you're right, but then so am I: Apple, in its infinite wisdom, hid it so idiots like me couldn't access it and screw it up.
It's another example of where a simple Google or Apple Support search would immediately have yielded the answer. The directory structure hasn't changed - the Library directories are just hidden by default.
From the Finder, in the "Go" menu, choose "Go to Folder..." and then type "~/Library".
Of course, you're right, but then so am I: Apple, in its infinite wisdom, hid it so idiots like me couldn't access it and screw it up.
They.hid it, but not to prevent you from accessing it - just to require it to be a deliberate act.
Then, why doesn't Apple explain how to do it? If a user is supposed to RTFM, what manual? I switched to a Mac after twenty some years of using a PC because it was supposed to be more intuitive. At one time, I thought it was, but now everything seems to be hidden or requires becoming certified or requires a search online to learn Apple's secrets. I must admit it's still better than Window that I have to use at work - but it's still not intuitive. The problems I've had with Mavericks has proved that to me. I can't imagine how a newbie figures out all the intricate machinations of OS X. 'Help' certainly doesn't help. Apple plays it so close to the vest that sometimes I think it either doesn't want users to know or is playing practical jokes on us. It reminds me of 'Easter Eggs'. You have to be an insider (or an Apple Insider) to know how to find or do something.
Then, why doesn't Apple explain how to do it? If a user is supposed to RTFM, what manual? I switched to a Mac after twenty some years of using a PC because it was supposed to be more intuitive. At one time, I thought it was, but now everything seems to be hidden or requires becoming certified or requires a search online to learn Apple's secrets. I must admit it's still better than Window that I have to use at work - but it's still not intuitive. The problems I've had with Mavericks has proved that to me. I can't imagine how a newbie figures out all the intricate machinations of OS X. 'Help' certainly doesn't help. Apple plays it so close to the vest that sometimes I think it either doesn't want users to know or is playing practical jokes on us. It reminds me of 'Easter Eggs'. You have to be an insider (or an Apple Insider) to know how to find or do something.
If you choose "Help Center" from the help menu, and type in "Library", the first item shown is a description of the Library and how to view it - in this case the instruction is just to hold down the option key, then select the "Go" menu, and "Library" appears as one of the selections. It doesn't get much easier than that. So Apple clearly explains how to do it, and your statement that "Help" doesn't help is patently incorrect.
From reading your recent posts it seems to me that you make very little effort to find out anything for yourself, and so, if you are going to start doing relatively advanced operations, then that approach certainly will not serve you well. OS X, and later versions in particular, are designed to be simple and seamless for the average user who doesn't break their system in whatever manner you broke yours - requiring a clean install and then messing around in the LIbrary. However, once you find yourself in that space then you have to be willing to learn the operating system and GUI in a bit more depth. Read the help documents, search the internet, and yes - ask for help here, but it's somewhat frustrating to see you repeatedly blame your own total lack of knowledge on Apple. How do you imagine the rest of us learned this stuff?
I accept your chastisement; however, in my defense, I’m in my 80’s and this old dog probably can’t be taught very many new tricks. At one time, years ago, I taught (command line) DOS, dBase II, WordPerfect, Lotus123, and later, Fortran at a local college, but technology has left me far behind. My focus continues to narrow, and what I used to know is now obsolete.
Now, it’s about all I can do to teach English grammar.
However, aging memory still permits utilization of a few productivity apps.
Thanks again for the help you’ve given me, Muppetry and other AI members.
I accept your chastisement; however, in my defense, I’m in my 80’s and this old dog probably can’t be taught very many new tricks. At one time, years ago, I taught (command line) DOS, dBase II, WordPerfect, Lotus123, and later, Fortran at a local college, but technology has left me far behind. My focus continues to narrow, and what I used to know is now obsolete.
Now, it’s about all I can do to teach English grammar.
However, aging memory still permits utilization of a few productivity apps.
Thanks again for the help you’ve given me, Muppetry and other AI members.
Well then I admire your stamina, and long may it continue. Never give up on learning new tricks though. You will always have people willing to help.
Another question, but don't feel you must answer if you're uncomfortable doing so -
For the present, I'm using my external backup as my main HDD. It's a new WD black caviar 2TB HDD in a Rosewill enclosure w/fan. It doesn’t mount the first time it’s turned on but requires being turned off and back on to do so. It also resists being ejected and has to be force ejected. Is it okay to leave it on 24/7 or should I just go through the machinations of turning it off and on?In your opinion, which way would be more advisable.
I understand that you’re not privy to what is happening in the HDD, so I wouldn’t want you to feel accountable in any way for your opinion.
Does anyone else on this forum have an opinion about leaving the HDD on 24/7. It gets quite warm when in use, but stays cool when idle.
Another question, but don't feel you must answer if you're uncomfortable doing so -
For the present, I'm using my external backup as my main HDD. It's a new WD black caviar 2TB HDD in a Rosewill enclosure w/fan. It doesn’t mount the first time it’s turned on but requires being turned off and back on to do so. It also resists being ejected and has to be force ejected. Is it okay to leave it on 24/7 or should I just go through the machinations of turning it off and on?In your opinion, which way would be more advisable.
I understand that you’re not privy to what is happening in the HDD, so I wouldn’t want you to feel accountable in any way for your opinion.
Does anyone else on this forum have an opinion about leaving the HDD on 24/7. It gets quite warm when in use, but stays cool when idle.
Thanks.
I don't think there is a problem leaving an external drive on provided it is spinning down appropriately, but I would be more concerned about the reluctance to mount or eject, which may suggest a controller problem. Presumably you don't mean that you are using it as your boot drive, since that would not be ejectable.
Thanks. That worked. How do you learn things like this? When I bought my first PC in the early 80's, it came with a stack of manuals about 8" high. Now, Help, Searchlight, etc. gives many answers to questions that weren't asked, but nothing about what is needed. Where do you go, besides AppleInsider, to find answers? I've asked so many questions on this forum that I'm afraid that I'll wear out my welcome.
Thanks again, you saved my sanity.
No problem. I'm glad I could help.
Yeah, I remember those Tolstoy-sized manuals, too. But then, there was no Google/Bing/Duckduckgo back then either. Heh.
I can't really give an answer as to where I figure this stuff out. Some of it is coming here (or other sites). Some of it is just searching the web for answers. Some of it is simply looking at everything I can find and clicking on stuff until something eventually works.
I don't think there is a problem leaving an external drive on provided it is spinning down appropriately, but I would be more concerned about the reluctance to mount or eject, which may suggest a controller problem. Presumably you don't mean that you are using it as your boot drive, since that would not be ejectable.
No, I'm not using the external HDD for a boot drive. I found that one reason it now won't eject is that I have Sharing on from iMac to MBP. I get that error message occasionally when trying to eject the ext HDD. IF I turn sharing off, SOMETIMES, the Ext HDD will eject. This wasn't the case with SL. I could eject an ext HDD without turning off Sharing.
My biggest problem :
I am still having problems importing Contacts that weren't on my ISP's list. I've gone through the machinations that I listed before; no luck. The file grays out and can't be imported.
I've tried drag and drop into Application Support/Address Book/Metadata and they copied okay; however, they don't open in Contacts even when I reboot. Clicking on one doesn't show names or email.
I can see data on the cards that did import from Comcast but not any others. How can I see the data on data on the other cards? I'd copy them manually if I could read them. I can't read them on the ext HDD either.
I had problems connecting with Comcast when I 'upgraded' to Mavericks. Comcast insisted that I change my ID and Pin. That worked, but now my contacts can't reach me, and I don't have their addresses to tell them my new ISP ID. Catch 22.
I'm sure you'll tell me to Google for that info, but I don't know the exact wording to use and I get everything but what I'm looking for. I have that same problem with Help. Don't use the exact wording Apple expects; don't get a specific answer.
Methods described in Help and online & drag and drop / copy and paste, FAILED to import old contacts into Mavericks’ Contacts. As I needed those contacts, I was determined to keep hunting for a solution.
Eureka! I found one. I ‘Exported’ Address Book from MBP / SL. It showed as a vCard on the MBP desktop. When clicking it, it just showed where it came from, Address Book
I ‘shared’ the file onto Desktop on my iMac. When I clicked on it, it entered the old contacts into the new Contacts. So simple. I had to cull dupes, but it worked.
Some addresses were still missing. I went to Library/Mail/Mail Downloads on my back up HDD. It took a while to locate incoming mail from the missing contacts, but was able to find them. I was able to C&P the addresses into Contacts.
Moderator: I doubt that many AI members are going to see this email as they’re most likely tired of all my bitching.
If you think this method of getting older contacts might be of interest to someone, I’ll open a new thread with it.
Thanks to everyone, especially Muppetry, who tried to help with my problem and offered moral support.
Comments
Belay that last request. Although the vCards wouldn't import from a backup, I was able to import them from my ISP address book.
Belay that last request. Although the vCards wouldn't import from a backup, I was able to import them from my ISP address book.
I'm not sure why you were trying to import them in the first place, since your new installation had no contacts. You could just have dragged the old contacts file over to your new library.
That probably would have worked in another OS X; however, there is NO users' Library in the Mavericks that downloaded. If it's hidden, I don't know how to unhide it.
In this copy, the only items that appear under Users are Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Movies, Music, Pictures, and Public. Nothing else. NO library.
HDD shows Applications, Library (which has Application Support that doesn't contain Address Book), System, and Users. Nothing else.
If you can tell me how to find the Users' Library, I'll try again to drag and drop the old contacts into it. I'm simply lost with Mavericks.
I had tried using Migration Assistant, but the choices were too ambiguous and non specific. I tried transferring what I thought the minimum should be, so I wouldn't carry over the original problem. It took 12 hours and the problem was still there. I had to do another clean install and gave up transferring anything. That's probably why I don't see the Users' library, but I won't try again and end up with the same old problem that I had when I didn't use Clean Install. You convinced me of that. I'm not saying Users' Library doesn't exist as Contacts now contains my old addresses that I imported from my ISP. I just can't see it.
I still have those addresses in the Downloads folder. They show up as a single card labeled: 'plaxo_ab_vcard.vcf' Could Contacts be seeing the addresses in Downloads? I don't plan to delete that file - in case that's so. I'm not technically savvy to know how this works. Mavericks is a complete mystery to me. I know the apps I use for productivity, but I don't know what's under the hood of OS X 10.9.1 or its multitude of idiosyncrasies. I was barely literate with my previous OS Snow Leopard.
That's why I have to pick the brains of AI members and why I'm so grateful that AI exists.
Do you have a Users' Library in your copy of Mavericks? Maybe Apple, in its infinite wisdom, hid it so idiots like me couldn't access it and screw it up.
That probably would have worked in another OS X; however, there is NO users' Library in the Mavericks that downloaded. If it's hidden, I don't know how to unhide it.
In this copy, the only items that appear under Users are Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Movies, Music, Pictures, and Public. Nothing else. NO library.
HDD shows Applications, Library (which has Application Support that doesn't contain Address Book), System, and Users. Nothing else.
If you can tell me how to find the Users' Library, I'll try again to drag and drop the old contacts into it. I'm simply lost with Mavericks.
I had tried using Migration Assistant, but the choices were too ambiguous and non specific. I tried transferring what I thought the minimum should be, so I wouldn't carry over the original problem. It took 12 hours and the problem was still there. I had to do another clean install and gave up transferring anything. That's probably why I don't see the Users' library, but I won't try again and end up with the same old problem that I had when I didn't use Clean Install. You convinced me of that. I'm not saying Users' Library doesn't exist as Contacts now contains my old addresses that I imported from my ISP. I just can't see it.
I still have those addresses in the Downloads folder. They show up as a single card labeled: 'plaxo_ab_vcard.vcf' Could Contacts be seeing the addresses in Downloads? I don't plan to delete that file - in case that's so. I'm not technically savvy to know how this works. Mavericks is a complete mystery to me. I know the apps I use for productivity, but I don't know what's under the hood of OS X 10.9.1 or its multitude of idiosyncrasies. I was barely literate with my previous OS Snow Leopard.
That's why I have to pick the brains of AI members and why I'm so grateful that AI exists.
Do you have a Users' Library in your copy of Mavericks? Maybe Apple, in its infinite wisdom, hid it so idiots like me couldn't access it and screw it up.
It's another example of where a simple Google or Apple Support search would immediately have yielded the answer. The directory structure hasn't changed - the Library directories are just hidden by default.
From the Finder, in the "Go" menu, choose "Go to Folder..." and then type "~/Library".
It's another example of where a simple Google or Apple Support search would immediately have yielded the answer. The directory structure hasn't changed - the Library directories are just hidden by default.
From the Finder, in the "Go" menu, choose "Go to Folder..." and then type "~/Library".
Of course, you're right, but then so am I: Apple, in its infinite wisdom, hid it so idiots like me couldn't access it and screw it up.
They.hid it, but not to prevent you from accessing it - just to require it to be a deliberate act.
Then, why doesn't Apple explain how to do it? If a user is supposed to RTFM, what manual? I switched to a Mac after twenty some years of using a PC because it was supposed to be more intuitive. At one time, I thought it was, but now everything seems to be hidden or requires becoming certified or requires a search online to learn Apple's secrets. I must admit it's still better than Window that I have to use at work - but it's still not intuitive. The problems I've had with Mavericks has proved that to me. I can't imagine how a newbie figures out all the intricate machinations of OS X. 'Help' certainly doesn't help. Apple plays it so close to the vest that sometimes I think it either doesn't want users to know or is playing practical jokes on us. It reminds me of 'Easter Eggs'. You have to be an insider (or an Apple Insider) to know how to find or do something.
Then, why doesn't Apple explain how to do it? If a user is supposed to RTFM, what manual? I switched to a Mac after twenty some years of using a PC because it was supposed to be more intuitive. At one time, I thought it was, but now everything seems to be hidden or requires becoming certified or requires a search online to learn Apple's secrets. I must admit it's still better than Window that I have to use at work - but it's still not intuitive. The problems I've had with Mavericks has proved that to me. I can't imagine how a newbie figures out all the intricate machinations of OS X. 'Help' certainly doesn't help. Apple plays it so close to the vest that sometimes I think it either doesn't want users to know or is playing practical jokes on us. It reminds me of 'Easter Eggs'. You have to be an insider (or an Apple Insider) to know how to find or do something.
If you choose "Help Center" from the help menu, and type in "Library", the first item shown is a description of the Library and how to view it - in this case the instruction is just to hold down the option key, then select the "Go" menu, and "Library" appears as one of the selections. It doesn't get much easier than that. So Apple clearly explains how to do it, and your statement that "Help" doesn't help is patently incorrect.
From reading your recent posts it seems to me that you make very little effort to find out anything for yourself, and so, if you are going to start doing relatively advanced operations, then that approach certainly will not serve you well. OS X, and later versions in particular, are designed to be simple and seamless for the average user who doesn't break their system in whatever manner you broke yours - requiring a clean install and then messing around in the LIbrary. However, once you find yourself in that space then you have to be willing to learn the operating system and GUI in a bit more depth. Read the help documents, search the internet, and yes - ask for help here, but it's somewhat frustrating to see you repeatedly blame your own total lack of knowledge on Apple. How do you imagine the rest of us learned this stuff?
I accept your chastisement; however, in my defense, I’m in my 80’s and this old dog probably can’t be taught very many new tricks. At one time, years ago, I taught (command line) DOS, dBase II, WordPerfect, Lotus123, and later, Fortran at a local college, but technology has left me far behind. My focus continues to narrow, and what I used to know is now obsolete.
Now, it’s about all I can do to teach English grammar.
However, aging memory still permits utilization of a few productivity apps.
Thanks again for the help you’ve given me, Muppetry and other AI members.
I accept your chastisement; however, in my defense, I’m in my 80’s and this old dog probably can’t be taught very many new tricks. At one time, years ago, I taught (command line) DOS, dBase II, WordPerfect, Lotus123, and later, Fortran at a local college, but technology has left me far behind. My focus continues to narrow, and what I used to know is now obsolete.
Now, it’s about all I can do to teach English grammar.
However, aging memory still permits utilization of a few productivity apps.
Thanks again for the help you’ve given me, Muppetry and other AI members.
Well then I admire your stamina, and long may it continue. Never give up on learning new tricks though. You will always have people willing to help.
Thanks.
Another question, but don't feel you must answer if you're uncomfortable doing so -
For the present, I'm using my external backup as my main HDD. It's a new WD black caviar 2TB HDD in a Rosewill enclosure w/fan. It doesn’t mount the first time it’s turned on but requires being turned off and back on to do so. It also resists being ejected and has to be force ejected. Is it okay to leave it on 24/7 or should I just go through the machinations of turning it off and on? In your opinion, which way would be more advisable.
I understand that you’re not privy to what is happening in the HDD, so I wouldn’t want you to feel accountable in any way for your opinion.
Does anyone else on this forum have an opinion about leaving the HDD on 24/7. It gets quite warm when in use, but stays cool when idle.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Another question, but don't feel you must answer if you're uncomfortable doing so -
For the present, I'm using my external backup as my main HDD. It's a new WD black caviar 2TB HDD in a Rosewill enclosure w/fan. It doesn’t mount the first time it’s turned on but requires being turned off and back on to do so. It also resists being ejected and has to be force ejected. Is it okay to leave it on 24/7 or should I just go through the machinations of turning it off and on? In your opinion, which way would be more advisable.
I understand that you’re not privy to what is happening in the HDD, so I wouldn’t want you to feel accountable in any way for your opinion.
Does anyone else on this forum have an opinion about leaving the HDD on 24/7. It gets quite warm when in use, but stays cool when idle.
Thanks.
I don't think there is a problem leaving an external drive on provided it is spinning down appropriately, but I would be more concerned about the reluctance to mount or eject, which may suggest a controller problem. Presumably you don't mean that you are using it as your boot drive, since that would not be ejectable.
Thanks. That worked. How do you learn things like this? When I bought my first PC in the early 80's, it came with a stack of manuals about 8" high. Now, Help, Searchlight, etc. gives many answers to questions that weren't asked, but nothing about what is needed. Where do you go, besides AppleInsider, to find answers? I've asked so many questions on this forum that I'm afraid that I'll wear out my welcome.
Thanks again, you saved my sanity.
No problem. I'm glad I could help.
Yeah, I remember those Tolstoy-sized manuals, too.
But then, there was no Google/Bing/Duckduckgo back then either. Heh.
I can't really give an answer as to where I figure this stuff out. Some of it is coming here (or other sites). Some of it is just searching the web for answers. Some of it is simply looking at everything I can find and clicking on stuff until something eventually works.
I don't think there is a problem leaving an external drive on provided it is spinning down appropriately, but I would be more concerned about the reluctance to mount or eject, which may suggest a controller problem. Presumably you don't mean that you are using it as your boot drive, since that would not be ejectable.
No, I'm not using the external HDD for a boot drive. I found that one reason it now won't eject is that I have Sharing on from iMac to MBP. I get that error message occasionally when trying to eject the ext HDD. IF I turn sharing off, SOMETIMES, the Ext HDD will eject. This wasn't the case with SL. I could eject an ext HDD without turning off Sharing.
My biggest problem :
I am still having problems importing Contacts that weren't on my ISP's list. I've gone through the machinations that I listed before; no luck. The file grays out and can't be imported.
I've tried drag and drop into Application Support/Address Book/Metadata and they copied okay; however, they don't open in Contacts even when I reboot. Clicking on one doesn't show names or email.
I can see data on the cards that did import from Comcast but not any others. How can I see the data on data on the other cards? I'd copy them manually if I could read them. I can't read them on the ext HDD either.
I had problems connecting with Comcast when I 'upgraded' to Mavericks. Comcast insisted that I change my ID and Pin. That worked, but now my contacts can't reach me, and I don't have their addresses to tell them my new ISP ID. Catch 22.
I'm sure you'll tell me to Google for that info, but I don't know the exact wording to use and I get everything but what I'm looking for. I have that same problem with Help. Don't use the exact wording Apple expects; don't get a specific answer.
Methods described in Help and online & drag and drop / copy and paste, FAILED to import old contacts into Mavericks’ Contacts. As I needed those contacts, I was determined to keep hunting for a solution.
Eureka! I found one. I ‘Exported’ Address Book from MBP / SL. It showed as a vCard on the MBP desktop. When clicking it, it just showed where it came from, Address Book
I ‘shared’ the file onto Desktop on my iMac. When I clicked on it, it entered the old contacts into the new Contacts. So simple. I had to cull dupes, but it worked.
Some addresses were still missing. I went to Library/Mail/Mail Downloads on my back up HDD. It took a while to locate incoming mail from the missing contacts, but was able to find them. I was able to C&P the addresses into Contacts.
Moderator: I doubt that many AI members are going to see this email as they’re most likely tired of all my bitching.
If you think this method of getting older contacts might be of interest to someone, I’ll open a new thread with it.
Thanks to everyone, especially Muppetry, who tried to help with my problem and offered moral support.