iCloud Drive can delete Hunchly case files, causing Hunchly not to load

Introduction

What are the signs?

• IMPORTANT: Your Mac may be affected without any signs so please read the "Am I affected?" section to confirm
  
• The most common indication that Hunchly users have reported is that the Hunchly browser extension suddenly stops being able to connect to the Hunchly app
  • This is because files necessary for Hunchly's search and selectors were deleted by iCloud Drive after being backed up, causing Hunchly to crash silently in the background
• You may have noticed that some page captures, especially older page captures, do not open
  • This is because iCloud Drive chooses which files to delete based on how recently they were opened
• You may have noticed that the Hunchly Dashboard fails to load and presents an error message reading "There was a problem initializing Hunchly, please contact support@hunch.ly"
  • This is because key case files were deleted by iCloud Backup after being uploaded to iCloud and Hunchly does not know how to handle the missing files

Am I affected?

To determine if you are affected:

1. You must be using a Mac
   1. Windows and Linux are not affected, so if you are experiencing issues with the signs mentioned above and you do not use a Mac, please contact support@hunch.ly
2. Confirm that Hunchly stores your case files in Documents > HunchlyData
3. Open the "System Preferences" app on your Mac
4. Click "Apple ID"
5. If the box next to "iCloud Drive" is checked, continue
   1. if this box is not checked, you are not affected
6. Click the "Options..." button next to "iCloud Drive
7. If the checkbox next to "Desktop and Documents Folders" is checked, click "Done" and continue
   1. if this box is not checked, you are not affected
8. If the checkbox next to "Optimize Mac Storage" is checked, then you are at risk and should continue reading
   

   

How do I protect myself?

You can prevent issues by making sure that iCloud Drive cannot delete Hunchly case files. This can be done by disabling iCloud Drive automatic backups, or by storing your Hunchly case files somewhere that iCloud Drive does not back up.

Disclaimer: In the experience of our staff, iCloud Drive sometimes behaves in unpredictable ways. The Hunchly team have no control over iCloud Drive. The guide linked below is provided as a free service with absolutely no warranty.

By clicking this link, I acknowledge that Dark River Systems Inc. (makers of Hunchly) are not responsible or liable for any loss or damage that occurs from actions related to my use of iCloud Drive and I would like to continue to the guide