Erasing files in the backup

Hello everyone,
I configured Time Machine at the end of February and my 250 megs hard drive, strangely, is almost full.
There are a group of folders that I want to remove from my backup.
1) I do not want them to be backuped anymore. This is done. Easy.
2) The hard part is how to remove them from the existing backup.
It is possible to do that, except for one thing: OS X asked me to type my password.
A very strange thing happens: I am totally unable to type that password. It is as if I am locked from entering it.
Where can I go to unlock it?
Another question: would it be better to get rid of my old back up and start a fresh new one? If so, what would be the easiest way to do that?
Any suggestions will be most welcome.
Bruno

paulhagstrom wrote:
I've looked around the web for quite a while now, and I haven't managed to find the answer to this question. Maybe somebody on this thread will know.
If I go into TM and use the gear menu to delete the entire set of backups for a particular file/folder, does this add it to the future TM exclusions? That is, once I delete the entire set of backups of file X in my home directory, say, will my future TM backups still backup X as it stands now, and for all future modifications?
My specific situation is this: I'm backing up my iTunes library. But I've recently added album art to the ID3 tags on a bunch of the files. Now that the album art is there, I never want to see the album artless versions again, I don't want them in my backup. However, I do want the newly arted versions to persist in my backup. So, want I want is something like a "rebase" in "git"-speak, I want to forget the history, but not the file.
I could just try it and see what happens, but I'd rather hear first from anyone who might actually know.
There's a simple way to try it.
Create a random desktop file and leave it on the desktop for a few days.
Now open TM and delete all the backups of that file.
Run "Back Up Now" or wait for the next one and you will have your answer without harming any animals
If you already have a old file that has never changed, you can use that one as a test.
Message was edited by: nerowolfe

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Time Machine will not complete a system backup and terminates with "Unable to complete backup. An error occurred while copying files to the backup volume. This follows a problem when Time machne terminated when the volume was almost full.

On 11/1/2011, Time Machine (TM) terminated with an error message I did not record. I noted that the drive was full and decided to do a separate complete bootable system backup using Carbon Copy Clone (CCC), before clearing the TM volume and trying to start it over clean. Part way through the full system backup CCC put up a message that there was a Physical Problem "Library/Application Support/Techtool Protection/McIntosh HD/Directory Backup 2011-11-01-16-28-16". That was about the time that TM malfunctioned, so I assumed they were related. After starting CCC over a couple of times, and getting the same error message, I let it go through to completion of the backup, which took three or four hours. I then ran tests using Disk Utility and verified that there was nothing physically wrong with both the internal hard drive and the TM volume. I also erased and reformatted the TM volume. However, every time I started Time Machine, it would record a few GB and terminate with "Unable to complete backup. An error occurred while copying files to the backup volume". I restarted the computer with no change in results. Note that prior to starting the CCC backup, I "Repaired Permissions", "zapped the PRAM" and "re-set the SMC", hoping to have a clean bootable system on the backup. I ran Techtool and no problems were found.
I'm running this on an Intel iMac under 10.5.8 and recording to a 500GB My Passport drive. My hard drive is only about half full at 246 GB. My assessment is that something happened at 16-28-16 on 11/1/2001 to screwup the Backup Directory in the file at "Library/Application Support/Techtool Protection/McIntosh HD/Directory Backup 2011-11-01-16-28-16". My question is, how do I fix it?
I had just completed writing everything above here, explaining the problems I had been encountering for the past 24 hours. I had the Time Machine window standing open on the desktop where I could see it, having recentlycleared it after the last termination. As I was proofing what I had written, I looked at the window and noted that the clock had started a new run for a full back up, since all prior efforts had failed and the TM volume was empty. As I watched and waited for it to fail again, as it had been doing at about 13 GB, it kept going and going until it just finished a complete backup, about 4.5 hours later, with my having done nothing. Now my question would have to be - what could possiibly have happened to make it perform this way? It will be interesting to see if it continue to operate normally, or if the problem will return, in a later backup run.

jcm21 wrote:
CCC put up a message that there was a Physical Problem "Library/Application Support/Techtool Protection/McIntosh HD/Directory Backup 2011-11-01-16-28-16"
You should not keep those files for long, and probably shouldn't back them up (if you need them at all -- since you do regular backups, I'm doubtful just how worthwhile that feature is).
"Unable to complete backup. An error occurred while copying files to the backup volume".
One of Apple's maddeningly incomplete messages. Most likely, there's a problem with a file (quite possibly the one CCC didn't like). See #C3 in Time Machine - Troubleshooting for details and instructions on finding and fixing it.
If you continue running the Directory Protection app, be sure to exclude your Time Machine drive from it (as it will just take up lots of room, and won't help repair your backups if there's a problem); and exclude the folders it creates from being backed-up by Time Machine (as they'll create large backups, and you probably can't use the backed-up folders anyway), per #10 in Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions.

My Time Capsule has stopped backing up. I have an Apple Time Capsule which backs up by wireless. For the last 3 days it has not backed up. I get this message: "The backup was not performed because an error occurred while copying files to the backup disk.

My Time Capsule has stopped backing up.
I have an Apple Time Capsule which backs up by wireless. For the last 3 days it has not backed up. I get this message:
"The backup was not performed because an error occurred while copying files to the backup disk."
I have gone into Mac Help and followed this down to stage 4:
under shared it lists my time capsule and my husband's iMac - both use the time machine but we have switched his off temporarily. Clicking on my Time capsule I get "Connected" and "Sharepoint" - I didn't have to enter connect or password
I don't understand stage 5: how and where do I select the disk or volume that contains Time Machine backups ? How do I know which it is? My disk utility lists 160.04 TOSHIBA MK... with sub-heading Macintosh HD. It also lists (with a "CD" icon) HL-DT-ST DVDRW GS22N
Under stage 6, how and where do I Locate your backup ? I try dragging my Time capsule from Finder to the Disk Utility side panel but it won't go. What is my computer's name?
Please someone help! I'm completely stumped.
Thanks,
Maggie
Mac Help says:
If you back up to a Time Capsule or network disk:
Open the Time Machine pane of System Preferences, and slide the switch to Off.
Open Time Machine preferences
Open Disk Utility, which is in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder.
Open Disk Utility
Make sure the Time Capsule or network disk is turned on and available.
Open a Finder window, select your Time Capsule or network disk in the Shared section of the sidebar, and click Connect. If necessary, enter your user name and password.
On the Time Capsule or network disk, select the disk or volume that contains Time Machine backups. Depending on how your Time Capsule is set up, there may be one or more disks or volumes.
Locate your backup, and drag it to the Disk Utility sidebar.You can identify your backup by looking for your computer’s name in the backup’s filename.

Hello,
Thanks to the great Pondini...
http://pondini.org/TM/C3.html

TM Error. An error occurred while linking files on the backup volume

I have a 1TB Time Capsule. It's been working great for over a month. I'm now receiving an error.
Time Machine Error
Unable to complete backup. An error occurred while linking files on the backup volume.
I don't know what has happened to cause this error. Does anyone know what has happened and how to fix this? The first time I received this error was when it showed under Available it had over 500 GB and was backing up 89.1 GB. Then the error. The backup scheduled time came up and TM started to backup again. Again with the error. The next time it backed up I made a note of the figures it showed. It starts the backup process "Preparing" and shows under Available 389.1 GB of 929.5 GB. Then Preparing shows that it's backing up, 13.5 GB. Then I get the error pop up. I check Time Machine and under Available it shows 370.3 GB of 929.5 GB. The scheduled time came up again. Available shows 370.3 GB of 929.5 GB and that it's backing up 18.9 GB. I'm trying to see if there is a pattern, for instance 389.1 GB - 370.3 GB = 18.8 GB. It's not 18.9 GB, but it's close. I'm wondering if there is a point which causes the backup to fail and figure out if this can be fixed. I'm stumped. The backups keep getting an error but the Available amount keeps getting lower. Again, any help would be appreciated. Maybe you see something I don't. Thank you.

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I thought it would be a good idea to see what Time Machine is doing and record the steps. I know it will involve time and patience, but hopefully I'll find out something. It might be of use to someone.
- It's backing up again and it gets to the point showing that it backed up 18.8 GB of 18.9 GB and stays there for 20 minutes or so.
- Then it shows 18.9 GB of 18.9 GB, and stays at that point for a while.
- Available shows 351.5 GB of 929.5 GB.
- The Failed ! comes up again in Latest Backup. and backup stops.
- Again it looks like the disk storage is used up. (So the questions would be; 1. If the backup failed, where is the space going if the backup failed? 2. How can I get back what should be available and have it show the correct available amount?
It came up to the time it backs up again. It shows that the backup amount will be 18.9 GB. I turned Time Machine OFF. It looks like it will do the same thing. Does anyone know what is happening and what needs to be done to correct this and get my available space back with it recording the correct available amount (xxx.x GB of 929.5 GB)

The backup was not performed because an error occured while copying files to the backup disk

I continually see the error message "The backup was not performed because an error occured while copying files to the backup disk" when my time capsule attempts to backup. I have been receiving this message since 14/08/13. I have attempted to locate the file which is preventing the back up and I have not been able to locate it. Any help will be appreciated
Thanks

Do a verify on the local disk and on the TC..
See the info here.
A5 http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html

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Hello,
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I have just installed a time capsule on my new IMac.
I have set it up with ethernet connection to my modem and to my IMac
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Does anyone have any suggestions on remedying this problem?

I have just installed a time capsule on my new IMac.
I have set it up with ethernet connection to my modem and to my IMac
Every time I try to back up I get an error message about not being able to write files to the backup disk; I have reset it, re-booted it and done everything else I can think of.
Does anyone have any suggestions on remedying this problem?

How does Time Machine handle alias files on the backup volume?

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My concern is if an alias file on the backup volume is backed up »as is«, or if it is resolved and the original file is backed up? The last would be most annoying as this will make the size of the backup much larger.
Even though I do not know of folders having been renamed (which will cause that folder and all its content to be backed up again) Time Machine often backs up a surprisingly large amount of data, so I suspect that alias files could be resolved.
Any info on this will be appreciated.

Alias files are NOT followed, AFAIK.
For more info on how TM works, see this ars technica review.
Good luck!
Message was edited by: joshz

Where are the files for the Backups that show up in About This Mac - Storage?

Where are the files for the Backups that show up in About This Mac - Storage?
My new Macbook Pro 13 retina has 1TB flash drive. But despite my TimeMachine being in a TimeCapsule my Macintosh HD shows 277 Gb of space has Backups. What is this for? How can I delete it?

OS X Lion and newer Mac OS X versions create local snapshots in portable Macs if Time Machine is enabled. See > http://pondini.org/TM/30.html
You don't have to worry about. They are stored in a kind of volume named "MobileBackups", but they appear as stored in your hard drive. To delete them, open System Preferences > Time Machine, and turn off Time Machine. Then, turn it on. However, you don't need to delete them, as they will be deleted when your hard drive gets full

HT3275 the backup wad not performed because an error occurred while copying files to the backup disk.

the backup wad not performed because an error occurred while copying files to the backup disk.
The problem may be temporary.try again later to backup.if the problem persists,use disk utility to repair your backup disk.any body help me...!

realtek wrote:
the backup wad not performed because an error occurred while copying files to the backup disk.
The problem may be temporary.try again later to backup.if the problem persists,use disk utility to repair your backup disk.any body help me...!
Not one of Apple's better messages.
If you haven't found it yet, see #C3 in Time Machine - Troubleshooting. TM is likely having a problem with a file, and that will show you how to find and fix it.

What does this mean: "the backup was not performed because an error occurred while copying files to the backup disk?

Our time capsule isn't working...we keep getting the message: "The back up was not performed because an error occurred while copying files to the backup disk."

This means you are probably not running snow leopard as your profile shows.
What OS are you running?? Mavericks.. is the most likely as it has the most network bugs.
See Pondini.
http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html
C3 .. but the error might have nothing to do with the real problem.. ie bad networking.
If your MBP has ethernet have you tried turning off wireless and attempting the backup by ethernet??
No luck give me more info.

I am receiving a backup error message" ther backup was not performed because an error occurred while copying files to the backup disk"

I am receiving an error message: " the backup was not performed because an error occurred while copying files to the backup disk". I have used the Disk Utility tot "Repair Disk" and it appears that there are no problems with the back up file..
I continue to receive the error message. What can anyone suggest I do?

One of Apple's less-than-informative messages.
Most likely, there's a damaged file on your system; see #C3 in Time Machine - Troubleshooting. It will show you how to locate the message(s) that describe the problem, then help you fix it.

Time Machine reporting "The backup was not performed because an error occurred while copying files to the backup disk". Anyone have any idea what's gone wrong?

After months of working OK Time Machine is reporting "The backup was not performed because an error occurred while copying files to the backup disk". Anyone have any idea what's gone wrong?

asknrobson wrote:
Wierd!
I followed #C3 and loaded Time Machine Buddy, which was defnitely helpful, then deleted the file that the backup failed at, but after 3 more attempts I stopped deleting or excluding files as this wasn't improving the situation.
The recommendation is to exclude those files from being backed-up, not to delete them!
Updating boot support partitions for the volume as required:
Yes, that's a bit misleading. It just means that will be done, if it's required, which it isn't on your backups.
I have no idea if anything actually was changed however just when I had given up and walked away, TM has started working after a week of failing.
It probably did find and fix something. Just for reference, Disk Utiltiy usually shows the progress and repair messages in the center part of the window, but often doesn't when repairing a sparse bundle on a network. You can see the messages at any time by clicking the Log icon in the toolbar, or select Window > Show Log from the menubar.
Anyway, glad it's sorted out!

Keep getting this message when trying to back up iMac to time Machine: Unable to complete backup. An error occurred while copying files to the backup volume.

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Pondini's Time Machine FAQ for help with TM problems. Also you can select Mac Help from the Finder's Help menu and search for "time machine" to locate articles on how to use TM. See also Mac 101- Time Machine.
Time Machine- Troubleshooting backup issues

My time machine always stops at some point... It always shows this message: "Time Machine Error. Unable to complete backup. An error occurred while copying files to the backup volume.

My time machine always stops at some point... It always shows this message: "Time Machine Error. Unable to complete backup. An error occurred while copying files to the backup volume. I have tried everything and even did time machine in safe boot as told by an apple suppoprt advisor. still the same error after 16gb

If you have more than one user account, these instructions must be carried out as an administrator.
Launch the Console application in any of the following ways:
☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)
☞ In the Finder, select Go ▹ Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.
☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Console in the icon grid.
Make sure the title of the Console window is All Messages. If it isn't, select All Messages from the SYSTEM LOG QUERIES menu on the left. If you don't see that menu, select
View ▹ Show Log List
from the menu bar.
Enter the word "Starting" (without the quotes) in the String Matching text field. You should now see log messages with the words "Starting * backup," where * represents any of the words "automatic," "manual," or "standard." Note the timestamp of the last such message that corresponds to a failed backup. Now
CLEAR THE WORD "Starting" FROM THE TEXT FIELD
so that all messages are showning, and scroll back in the log to the time you noted. Select the messages timestamped from then until the end of the backup, or the end of the log if that's not clear. Copy them (command-C) to the Clipboard. Paste (command-V) into a reply to this message.
If all you see are messages that contain the word "Starting," you didn't clear the text field.
If there are runs of repeated messages, post only one example of each. Don't post many repetitions of the same message.
When posting a log extract, be selective. Don't post more than is requested.
Please do not indiscriminately dump thousands of lines from the log into this discussion.
Some personal information, such as the names of your files, may be included — anonymize before posting.

Erasing files in the backup

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