New External Drive how do I set it for Time Machine?

I just bought a new 250g firewire to back up my hard drive - I formatted it and it's ok and all but I want to use it to back up my entire hard drive.
I thought I was supposed to make a Disk Image?? but browsing these forums it seems I was supposed to designate it for Time Machine? I didn't know that. Can I still do that? If so what do I do? and how do I do it?
also what is disk image? I thought that was supposed to be the back up feature -
and if anyone else knows and I'm allowed more questions - I really wanted to install Final Cut Studio Pro on the external drive because apparently it ***** up disk space like a --- -well you know ----- - but it says it has to be on my regular drive - does that mean I have to uninstall some programs? can I set other software to work off the external or am I going to have the same problem?
I'm so ******!! I bought the 120 g drive thinking it was enough to run programs off of and use the other for data storage - apparently not!
I'm about 10 gigs short right now and that doesn't even count leaving something for extra space.
I'm in a time crunch too - ok who isn't I know - but really - I'm on vaca now and was supposed to be working on my projects but instead am babysitting this freakin' computer and am really getting ******!!
so anyone that can jump in here and help please do so. I appreciate it very much am used to windows machines am new to mac in case that wasn't already blatantly apparent!

No disc image is required. Prepare the drive as follows:
Extended Hard Drive Preparation
1. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder. If you need to reformat your startup volume, then you must boot from your OS X Installer Disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger or Leopard.)
2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status of the drive in DU's status area. If it does not say "Verified" then the drive is failing or has failed and will need replacing. SMART info will not be reported on external drives. Otherwise, click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID (only required for Intel Macs) then click on the OK button. Set the number of partitions from the dropdown menu (use 1 partition unless you wish to make more.) Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the volume(s) mount on the Desktop.
4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.
Connect the drive to a Firewire port. Open Time Machine preferences and select the drive as the TM backup drive and turn on TM.
If you use the external drive for backups you should not use it for installing applications or storing other files. It should be used as a dedicated backup drive. If you need additional storage space get another external drive.
See Disk Image for discussion of what a disc image is.
Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on Backup and Restore.
Hopefully the next vacation you go on you will prepare for more thoroughly in advance. And, don't swear at the computer - it's a machine and only does what you tell it to do. If you need to swear at something look in the mirror!

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Can external drive connected to TC be used for Time Machine?

My 1 TB TC is running out of space and I can't afford the 2TB version. It's much cheaper to buy a 2 TB drive and plug it into the USB port on the TC, but before I do so, can someone savvy tell me if I will be able to select the drive connected to the TC as a Time Machine backup drive?

disconnekt wrote:
Thank you for this answer, and for that very helpful link. I can see that the Archive feature will not be practical for everyday backups,
Right.
so I'll have to find another solution...
See Kappy's post on Basic Backup, complete with links to the web sites of each product. You might also want to investigate Chrnosync: I've seen some posts that it can back up a network drive, but don't know if that's true.
Basically, if you run out of space on the TC's internal drive and decide to repurpose it for storing data, you have to be OK with not having that data backed up. I don't get this decision on the part of Apple—maybe they want me to shell out $400+ for a new 2TB TC?
Doubtful. Backing-up network drives, especially to another network drive, would be even slower and less reliable, and not something most Mac users would want to do. And even if you got a 2 TB, Time Machine still couldn't back up a network drive.
And they won't let you use a hard drive connected to Airport Extreme for TM backups either, which I'm guessing is another ploy to pry more dollars from our hands.
Now, don't be paranoid! They don't prevent it, but they don't support it, either. Some of us do it anyway, but it's generally not especially reliable, so we make sure to always have secondary backups. Nobody here can say why they don't support it, but unreliability sounds like a pretty good reason.

HT3764 How to reformat an external hard drive using Snow Lepard to use for Time Machine

How to reformat an external hard drive using Snow Lepard to use for Time Machine

Use the Disk Utility in the /Applications/Utilities/ folder to erase it as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with GUID as the partition map format(or APM if you're using a PowerPC Mac running 10.5).
(73291)

I am new to Firefox; how do I set up for auto fill for the various forms that need the same info time and time again; thanks.

I am new to Firefox; how do I set up for auto fill for the various forms that need the same info time and time again; thanks.

Make sure that you do not run Firefox in permanent Private Browsing mode.
*https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Private+Browsing
*Tools > Options > Privacy, choose the setting <b>Firefox will: Use custom settings for history</b>
*Deselect: [ ] "Always use private browsing mode"
*Select : [X] "Remember search and form history"
See also:
*https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Form+autocomplete
<i>[locking thread due to the age]</i>
If you have further questions then please start a new thread.
*[[/questions/new start a new thread]]

Can I partition my external hard drive so that one partition is for Time Machine and the other is to install Windows with Boot Camp?

I have a Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 1TB USB 3.0 external hard drive that I currently use just for Time Machine backups. Is it possible for me to go into Disk Utility and create a new partition on the drive so that I may install Windows 7 via Boot Camp? Or since I am already using it for Time Machine do I have to keep it only for Time Machine?

You must install Boot Camp in your internal drive because Windows can't be installed in an external disk and Boot Camp can't do that

HT201250 I've just used an external drive to back up my Mac with Time Machine. I have Lion, but didn't click and check the "Encrypt Backup Disc". What should I do? Can I delete the external drive and start again, or can I encrypt later?

I've just used an external drive to back up my Mac with Time Machine. I have Lion, but didn't click and check the "Encrypt Backup Disc". What should I do? Can I delete the external drive and start again, or can I encrypt later?

I guess if stolen or lost it would protect my "stuff", and if I'm travelling would protect my privacy.
You must understand the purpose and implications of encryption before deciding whether to use it.
Encryption locks your data with a password. If you forget that password, the data is lost beyond any chance of recovery. Neither Apple nor anyone else will be able to help you recover that data if you don't know the password.
By the same token, the password must be strong enough to provide the security you want. For example, if you're the potential target of industrial espionage by a government or large corporation, you need the strongest possible password. To create and manage such a password safely is a task in itself, not to be undertaken lightly.
If you're only concerned about casual snooping by someone with no special skill, a weak, easily-remembered password is appropriate.
But regardless of the strength of the password, if you lose it, the data is gone forever.
Another point to remember is that if you encrypt your data on one storage device, you must also encrypt it on all other storage devices that would be accessible to the same attacker. Otherwise the data isn't protected. For example, if you keep your computer and your backup drive in the same room, and the internal drive of the computer is not encrypted, then there's no point in encrypting the backup drive.

My backup hard drive does not have enough space for time machine to perform a back up even after erasing entire contents of bu hard drive

My backup hard drive does not have enough space for time machine to perform a back up even after erasing entire contents of bu hard drive. The hard drive has been in service for almost two years performing this function with no sign of failure. How do I adjust time machine perameters?

The only way to limit the size of the backup is to exclude data from the backup, which you can do in Time Machine preferences.
If you use multiple browsers, have you tried clearing your browser caches? However, that's just a stop gap if it works. You either need to limit what you backup or get another drive.

My external drive is not showing up on my time machine backup.

I have two external drives, one for Time Machine and one for some of my media. I've setup time machine to backup both my internal drive and my external media drive; however, when I enter time machine I do not see the backups for the external drive. Am I doing something wrong? I have TM routed to back up both the external media drive and the internal drive, but it just doesn't turn-up in backups. There's enough space on the disks. Thanks.

Maybe this will help.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/23058291#23058291

How do i set up/configure time machine and my first time capsule ?

I want to set up my time machine. When I click at the top of my toolbar it says time machine not configured.
When I turn time machine on through system preferences/time machine - it then prompts me to set up my first time capsule.
When I press 'select back up disk' it prompts me to a page where I cannot 'use disk' I can only click on cancel or 'other time capsule'.
When I click on 'other time capsule' I get taken to a screen with a globe on it and although it says 'internet connected' it also says 'no airport base stations have been found'.
How do I do up time machine/set up my first time capsule ?

See KB Articles;
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1427
http://support.apple.com/kb/VI29 (video)

HT4848 Is it possible to partition an external hard drive that is already being used for Time Machine backups without it being erased?

I'm want to use my current external hard drive, which I use for Time Machine Backup, as a recovery disk for Mac OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.2. From what I have read, the recovery disk assistant will erase all data on the external drive unless it is partitioned. Can I partition my current backup drive without erasing it, even though it is already being used for Time Machine?

It's very simple to test. Turn off your computer. Have your time machine backup plugged in. Hold option and turn it on, keeping option held. Do you see your time machine drive? If so, select it and press enter. You'll end up in recovery. If it works, there you go. Then just click the apple and restart to get back to your regular desktop. Then you'll know for when you're ready to do the deed.
Edit...
I'm not sure if time machine will think it's an entirely different computer, though, when a hard drive changed, making an actual restore not doable. Either way, you could still reinstall mt lion fresh and then just migrate after, skipping the need for SL.

I was thinking about formatting my external hard drive into two partitions. HFS for time machine backup

I really want to format my MacBook after I back up and have it clean like a new machine. And I was wondering if I need to back up after a couple of months will Time Machine back it up as a new computer or will it overwrite?
Also if I do 250GB HFS+ partition for time machine & 250GB NTFS/FAT32 to use with windows. Can the HFS+ partition be used to save files from MacBook using drag & drop? I.E. without using time machine?

A data recovery specialist or some data recovery programs should be able to help. Most format simply rewrite the directory tree saying no files are on this disk. The bits that represent the files are still flipped appropreiately so they still exists, you just don't have the location info to get at them. Secure formats and erases rewrite each bit to a zero or 1 or random so the data is then truely gone. This type of format takes a long time to complete.
I'm not making a recomendation of a particular program but here is one company that does what you ask:
http://www.remosoftware.com/mac-recovery The cost is pretty high but I'm sure they don't sell many copies and need to cover their development costs.
Good luck and don't write anything on the freshly formatted disk until you decide what to do.

MacBook suddenly not finding external HD set up for Time Machine

I have a WD MyPassport that I used via USB for Time Machine backups. Suddenly, it won't show up in my Finder (listed under Devices as MyPassport). I've had similar problems in the past, and have been able to pull it up by doing a quick spotlight or finder search, then dragging it over to my list of devices. It's not working this time, and I'm getting a Time Machine Error saying "backup delayed." "The Backup disk is not available." I've already shut down my computer and restarted it, to no avail. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
Joanne

Try Repairing it, per #A5 in [Time Machine - Troubleshooting|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/Troubleshooting.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).
If that doesn't help, it may be a connection problem or a problem with the drive. Try different ports, cables, and combinations of the two (a plug that works fine in one port may not make good contact in another).

External Drive Two Days Old .. suddenly No Time Machine at All?

I have enjoyed watching Time Machine for about 48 Hrs. and this morning I noticed I was not hearing my Ext. Hard Drive (G-Tech Q, 500 gb). The drive's light was still on so I thought the iMac OS put the drive to sleep. I depressed the Time Machine icon on my Dock and a pop-up came up indicating "Connecting To Server" with a sub-title "Connecting to backup volume..." This pop-up just continually shows the barber pole type progress bar but nothing happens. I then went to my System Preferences and depressed the Time Machine icon. The message I got was "Loading Time Machine" but nothing actually happens. I would have thought there would be a "Time Out" eventually that would give me an error code, but no such luck. Anyone know what gives???

While this topic may be "answered" I feel that I have to note the same problem occurring with a Western Digital My Book Premium II 1TB drive. Backups would proceed along fine until I would discover that the machine had stopped logging hours ago. The drive power light would be off and the disk no longer appeared on the desktop. Hard Disk Utility cannot "see" the disk in order to mount it. A press of the "soft power" button on the drive would mount the drive and I would then be able to start backups again. The drive shows no problems with Hard Disk Utility "repair", it has even been reformatted and its RAID 0 configuration performed again with WD tools. The WD Drive Manager shows no problems. This has never happened before upgrading from 10.5.2 to 10.5.3 although when trying to retrieve files from Time Machine the display would "freeze" for minutes sometimes and the user interface would thereafter be inconsistent (stuttering selections) while within Time Machine. Turning of the Power Saver Put drive(s) to sleep whenever possible selection is a poor "solution" to the problem. Also, it would be nice to determine which drives should be allowed to go to sleep should the user need to do so.

How much should I partition for Time Machine/Backup?

Hi all,
I upgraded my PB G4 HD to a 160GB recently and have just purchased a 1TB External HD. How much should I partition in the external to be used for Time Machine backup purposes of my internal HD? Will the same size suffice, or should I allocate more?
Also, I was thinking of formatting the drive so that it's both Windows and OS X friendly, but that means formatting it to MS-DOS something (I was just reading about it in another thread), will that cause any issues for the partition for Time Machine that I created? Thanks.

Also, I was thinking of formatting the drive so that it's both Windows and OS X friendly, but that means formatting it to MS-DOS something (I was just reading about it in another thread), will that cause any issues for the partition for Time Machine that I created? Thanks.
That's not practical. If you want to use the hard drive on a Windows machin while still being useful for Time Machine you should use MacDrive.
I upgraded my PB G4 HD to a 160GB recently and have just purchased a 1TB External HD. How much should I partition in the external to be used for Time Machine backup purposes of my internal HD? Will the same size suffice, or should I allocate more?
I would make the partition at least twice the size of the internal drive. Preferably, you would want 50 GB for a Leopard install that includes just the base operating system so you can boot off the 50 GB to recover your Time Machine data if your Leopard installer disc ever becomes unusable.
Also since you have a Powerbook, your 1 TB hard drive should be Firewire. USB will not boot Powerbooks. If it is USB only, you can remove the external hard drive case and replace it with one compatible with the drive inside that case from http://www.macsales.com/ that has Firewire.

How large should a disk for time machine be vs the hard disk

Can anyone tell me how large a disk for time machine be vs the size of the hard disk?

I usually say 2x or more but your milage may vary on that based on how much your hard drive is actually used, what sort of data (how large the files are) you typically handle and how far back you want your TM backup to go.

New External Drive how do I set it for Time Machine?

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