[Solved] Missing Document After OpenOffice Upgrade

[jsk0207]

I have an iMac with MacOS 10.15.7. Approximately 3 days ago , I upgraded Apache OpenOffice to 4.1.7. I cannot open one of the existing spreadsheets since the upgrade. I get an error message "/Users/...../Documents/....ods" does not exist even though it does appear in the dropdown list. However, I am able to open other spreadsheets. I had no issues prior to the OpenOffice upgrade.

[RoryOF]

Look for that file on your computer, using the computer file search utility. If it was open at the time you upgraded, than it may be missing.

Edit: The Recent Documents list is merely that - a list; it tells you which documents were last used, but it doesn't confirm that they are where they are supposed to be, only where they were when they were last edited.

[jsk0207]

Did iMac search using Spotlight and TimeMachine. Could not locate file. In addition, I found out that there are several other files on the OpenOffice dropdown list that are also not found. I do not think that the missing file was open at the time I did the Open Office update on 10/10/2020.

[RoryOF]

I suggest that you download PhotoRec and tell it to search for delete documents. Do this soonest.

[jsk0207]

Thanks for the quick reply. I did look up PhotoRec and it appears to be for "techies" only. I think I am not that well versed. Any other suggestions to retrieve?

[RoryOF]

That is what I would do. Note that the more use of the computer before that or similar is done, the less possibility there is of finding the missing files.

Check also in the Backup folder, if backups were enabled. This folder is pointed to by /Preferences / Options /OpenOffice /Paths (I think - I'm not a Mac user).

[jsk0207]

The backup system for iMac is called Time Machine. It backups automatically every hour. I can look at dates going back at least a year. I did check back to February, 2020. The spreadsheet that is working does show. However, the one that I can't find is not listed. I'm pretty sure that the file is just gone. Don't know why. I'll keep on trying but it appears that searching isn't working. So, go ahead and close this case out. Thank you.

[RoryOF]

OpenOffice can make its own backups, so worth checking the backup folder I indicated.

[MrProgrammer]

I have an iMac with MacOS 10.15.7. Approximately 3 days ago , I upgraded Apache OpenOffice to 4.1.7. I cannot open one of the existing spreadsheets since the upgrade.

Did you perhaps enable (or accept as a default) a feature in MacOS 10.15 to store (some of) your documents in iCloud? If so, this could affect how one opens documents with OpenOffice. OpenOffice was developed long before cloud storage became available, whether through iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, or services from snoopy companies like Google, Amazon, etc. so OpenOffice may not understand how to access the document unless the underlying operating system provides the appropriate level of support. I haven't enabled iCloud storage myself, so you should read what Apple says about this feature. Surely Finder still shows your document. If not, have you looked for it in your Trash?

I'm pretty sure that the file is just gone. Don't know why. I'll keep on trying but it appears that searching isn't working.

If you are unable to locate your document in Finder, then I don't believe you have an OpenOffice problem. OpenOffice only creates and edits documents. It doesn't delete them. It doesn't store them "internally"; all OpenOffice documents are files on your computer and thus visible in Finder. If your file is gone (or moved), other software did that.

[jsk0207]

Found the file in iCloud documents and was able to restore. Yahoo! That appears to be the default save location. We created a fake spreadsheet and tried to save it. There were no available options that allowed me to save to the iMac. Am I safe just keeping the default or is there an option to save to the iMac? If it will help, I can send you a picture of the dropdown menu. If you want it, how can I send it to you?
By the way. it's been great working with you and getting quick, knowledgeable responses.