Backing up Time Machine to a Remote Server

Hi All,
Relatively simple question, the answer I think is probably going to be somewhat complicated.
I administrate a mostly-mac network, I've got about 40 machines backing up to a 1TB drive on our server via Time Machine. So far, it's working great. My only concern is that if the building burns down this backup disk won't do squat for us.
Until now, I was using Carbon Copy Cloner to do incremental backups of the Time Machine drive to our offsite backup server. This was a pain in the *** to set up! I had to bring our backup drive out to the data centre to copy the huge amount of data!
Recently, CCC had an update, in the update notes it mentioned that CCC should not be used for Time Machine backups. You can imagine my chagrin!
I'm now questioning whether I should ever have deployed Time Machine in the first place. I'm thinking I'll go back to Retrospect. Unless one of you fine people can point me to a solution that would get my TM backups going offsite in a way that will preserve their integrity! rsync maybe? I'm hoping to hear from someone who's done it.

I just spent 30 minutes looking for the answer elsewhere to no avail. I too am surprised that it is unclear how to create a copy to move offsite.
One thing that may work is at the hardware level but it is more expensive. If you configure mirrored RAID on a RAID-available storage device you could swap in/out onto a remote site.
I have no idea whether OS X raid would work, i.e., configuring in Disk Utility the Time Machine device on the RAID tab to be a "Mirrored Raid Set".
Curious if anyone gets positive results from either of the above or knows that it won't work because "?tell us?"?

Similar Messages

  • Can Time Capsule be used as a time machine on a Windows Server.  Is this possible, and how do i configure this?

    I like to use the new TC in my office as a time machine on a Windows Server.  Is this possible, and how do i configure this?
    In fact my plan is to make the first back up by connecting to the server via an ethernet cable, but thereafter i like to bring the TC to my home and perform the incremental backups over the internet.  This is for safety reasons, in case for example the office is broken into, or flooded, or fire (god forbid).
    I sincerely hope it is possible, and not complicated.
    Alternatively i would not mind replacing our current Windows server 2003 with an Apple server, but all computers in the network (except mine) are Windows 7 or 8. Would it work?
    Thanks in advance.
    Paris

    I will consider the WD My Cloud device.
    It is a NAS.. it is designed to provide a cheap centralised file storage.
    What is NAS?? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network-attached_storage
    A file server like windows uses heaps of power to do very little.. in your setup.. In most setups like SBS it will do exchange server and provide a heap of useful connectivity to your clients.
    Since you are not using the windows server in anything but simple file serving you can replace with a NAS..
    Problem with the TC is, it is a router with a hard disk inside.. designed specifically for Time Machine.. it fails to provide what a NAS does.. easy access to any clients, local or remote.. TC is designed by apple for apple and the rest of world is not really invited to the party.
    It provides no backup.. no data protection.. and is so specifically apple orientated I do not think it works at all well with windows.
    For a simple example.. windows will have file issues with large files.. because it is only NTserver FAT32 to windows.. bad luck if you have large files.. !!
    Plainly if you use active directory in windows that facility is gone.
    I just like Apple products, find them more stable than Windows and easier to use.  Plus i can access the server from home if it is an Apple Server.
    If you only need remote access for yourself that is fine.. too bad for the windows clients I guess.
    Or you open it up to the world and bad luck for security.
    Apple do not design for mixed environment.. in fact with the TC there is no provision for windows access officially at all.. so anything you do is a fudge.
    You can use the TC for your Mac backups within the network.. that is fine. Apple provide no software at all to help with your windows clients.

  • Is Time Machine bad on Leopard Server?

    Hi,
    I'm pretty much a newbie when it comes to setting up osx server, however is it true that using time machine to backup Leopard Server is bad? Our office is running leopard server off a G5 dual-core 2.0 with 2.5GB ram. The boot drive is mirrored in a raid 1, and we have a Sonnet D800RAID (RAID 5) connected via ATTO raid card. All employees will work off the server, meaning all projects will be stored there on the RAID 5.
    We wanted to use time machine to do incremental backups of the RAID 5, however apparently from what I hear, using time machine on a server is a no,no. Why though? Does it really use a lot of the CPU running in the background?
    I really want to implement, but not if there's a BIG problem going to arise from it in the future.
    Thanks in advance~
    noiceT

    Hi
    I guess it depends? The current version of the Server Admin Manual available here:
    http://images.apple.com/server/macosx/docs/ServerAdministration_v10.5_2ndEd.pdf
    does not have a lot to say about it one way or another. However the previous version of the Admin Manual clearly states on page 37:
    *+"Leopard’s Time Machine feature is not recommended for server file and system backup of advanced configuration servers"+*
    If you purchased the boxed copy of Leopard Server 6-9 months ago it may still state this in the provided manual? There have been some who have used it successfully when the server is configured as Advanced. I have no personal experience of this but if you search the Mail Forums you should find recommendations to not use it if configured as Advanced/Mail Server. Its not so much backing up but rather problems develop when restoring.
    I've not had chance to test with Open Directory, perhaps others have?
    Just a thought but I would consider carefully (depending on server role) if I had need to use it for the Server itself. On the other hand I think it works fine as a source for client backups.
    Tony

  • How can I force Time Machine to make a complete backup of my Hard Drive.  I just installed a new external drive for Backup since my previous one failed.  Now when I back up, Time Machine only backs up my data folder and the Users folder.

    How can I force Time Machine to make a complete backup of my Hard Drive.  I just installed a new external drive for Backup since my previous one failed.  Now when I back up, Time Machine only backs up my data folder and the Users folder.
    When I start a backup. Time Machine says "Oldest Backup: None; Latest Backup: None", so it seems like it should do a complete backup, but it only does a partial. 

    Hi I'd like to jump in here. Your app showed me this:
    Time Machine:
              Skip System Files: NO
              Mobile backups: OFF
              Auto backup: YES
              Volumes being backed up:
                        Macintosh HD: Disk size: 749.3 GB Disk used: 453.81 GB
              Destinations:
                        Plastic Wrapper [Local] (Last used)
                        Total size: 999.86 GB
                        Total number of backups: 64
                        Oldest backup: 2013-07-24 23:25:11 +0000
                        Last backup: 2013-11-17 01:40:47 +0000
                        Size of backup disk: Too small
                                  Backup size 999.86 GB < (Disk used 453.81 GB X 3)
              Time Machine details may not be accurate.
              All volumes being backed up may not be listed.
              /sbin excluded from backup!
              /usr excluded from backup!
              /System excluded from backup!
              /bin excluded from backup!
              /private excluded from backup!
              /Library excluded from backup!
              /Applications excluded from backup!
    Aside from the size of my backup drive, which I will increase at some point, I'd really like to have time machine backing up all system folders, especially Applications. How to I reset this hidden exclusions?
    Thanks,
    Darcy

  • Why can I no longer backup to Time Machine on OS X Server?

    We have a Windows Server and a Mac Server. The OS X Server is basically only for backups from workstations via Time Machine and as a Software Update Server.
    I can no longer backup from my MacBook to the Server. If I try to add the location again in Time Machine Prefs, it asks for username and password. I try my AD account, but it fails. Guest doesn't work either. Any suguestions? When I set up the Time Machine service on the server, it was very easy. What did I miss?

    You have to enter the name and password of an administrator on the server.

  • Had to reinstall os ,and cannot access itunes although backed on time machine help

    had to reinstall OS last july after exel update installed virus  and cannot access itunes although backed on time machine help

    You should still be able to recover your media through iTune's "open" feature:
    Connect your time machine drive and navigate to it in Finder.
    Open the backup.backupd (or similar) folder.
    Pick a recent date (folder)
    Pick through to your home folder
    drag the music folder onto itunes in the dock
    Hope this helps, It might not be very clear.

  • How far back does Time Machine back up?

    How far back does Time Machine back up? Thanks.

    Thanks Kappy and Tech Guy. I'll try and digest that info--it may take awhile!
    Just for info, I am using a Lacie d2 500 GB, presently it has used 263 of the 500.
    It is presently backed up until January 2010 which must be the date I hooked into Time Machine. I have a 1TB iOmega which I am thinking of using for the back up drive but feel the Lacie may be the better of the two so may leave it on.
    Thanks again. Cheers.

  • Time Machine Service Page in Server App says "Error Reading Settings"

    I have a Mac Mini running 10.8.3.
    For some reason the Time Machine Page in the Server App refuses to work properly.  If I reboot the server it looks fine for about 10 minutes.  It displays the backup location and the list of individual backups.  Then I get this message:
    25/03/2013 14:37:51.673 Server[286]: Error: The server '127.0.0.1' reported an error while processing command of type: 'readSettings' in plug-in: 'servermgr_timemachine'. Error: Error Domain=XSActionErrorDomain Code=1000 "An unknown error occurred" UserInfo=0x7fdc1b2445e0 {NSLocalizedDescription=An unknown error occurred}
    Also the Time Machine page in Server Apps is blank apart from "Error Reading Settings" and the slider at the top says Time Machine is off.
    However Time Machine does work for some clients.
    Anyone got any idea?
    I think it started having problems when I got a "The network confirguration has changed" alert.

    Hi Linc Davis
    here are the logs from reboot to failure to load:
    26/03/2013 16:57:50.256 servermgrd[1379]: [1379] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 16:59:55.633 servermgrd[1527]: [1527] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 17:01:58.077 servermgrd[1546]: [1546] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 17:04:03.937 servermgrd[1561]: [1561] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 17:04:05.220 Server[1154]: Error: The server '127.0.0.1' reported an error while processing a command of type: 'readSettings' in plug-in: 'servermgr_timemachine'. Error: Error Domain=XSActionErrorDomain Code=1000 "An unknown error occurred" UserInfo=0x7ffac4620f20 {NSLocalizedDescription=An unknown error occurred}
    26/03/2013 17:06:07.359 servermgrd[1666]: [1666] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 17:06:07.829 Server[1154]: Error: The server '127.0.0.1' reported an error while processing a command of type: 'getBackups' in plug-in: 'servermgr_timemachine'. Error: Error Domain=XSActionErrorDomain Code=1000 "An unknown error occurred" UserInfo=0x7ffac480f000 {NSLocalizedDescription=An unknown error occurred}
    26/03/2013 19:18:51.737 servermgrd[1678]: [1678] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:18:51.777 servermgrd[1678]: [1678] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:20:55.346 servermgrd[2846]: [2846] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:20:55.381 servermgrd[2846]: [2846] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:22:57.682 servermgrd[2861]: [2861] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:22:57.683 servermgrd[2861]: [2861] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:22:58.114 Server[1154]: Error: The server '127.0.0.1' reported an error while processing a command of type: 'readSettings' in plug-in: 'servermgr_timemachine'. Error: Error Domain=XSActionErrorDomain Code=1000 "An unknown error occurred" UserInfo=0x7ffac4836250 {NSLocalizedDescription=An unknown error occurred}
    26/03/2013 19:25:00.016 servermgrd[2872]: [2872] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:25:00.135 Server[1154]: Error: The server '127.0.0.1' reported an error while processing a command of type: 'readSettings' in plug-in: 'servermgr_timemachine'. Error: Error Domain=XSActionErrorDomain Code=1000 "An unknown error occurred" UserInfo=0x7ffac494c120 {NSLocalizedDescription=An unknown error occurred}
    26/03/2013 19:26:02.690 Server[1154]: Error: The server '127.0.0.1' reported an error while processing a command of type: 'getBackups' in plug-in: 'servermgr_timemachine'. Error: Error Domain=XSActionErrorDomain Code=1000 "An unknown error occurred" UserInfo=0x7ffac4826a80 {NSLocalizedDescription=An unknown error occurred}
    26/03/2013 19:33:51.868 servermgrd[2886]: [2886] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:33:51.901 servermgrd[2886]: [2886] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:35:54.539 servermgrd[2932]: [2932] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:35:54.580 servermgrd[2932]: [2932] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:37:56.926 servermgrd[2947]: [2947] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:37:57.424 Server[1154]: Error: The server '127.0.0.1' reported an error while processing a command of type: 'readSettings' in plug-in: 'servermgr_timemachine'. Error: Error Domain=XSActionErrorDomain Code=1000 "An unknown error occurred" UserInfo=0x7ffac472ad50 {NSLocalizedDescription=An unknown error occurred}
    26/03/2013 19:39:59.284 servermgrd[2958]: [2958] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:40:01.135 Server[1154]: Error: The server '127.0.0.1' reported an error while processing a command of type: 'getState' in plug-in: 'servermgr_timemachine'. Error: Error Domain=XSActionErrorDomain Code=1000 "An unknown error occurred" UserInfo=0x7ffac4657ce0 {NSLocalizedDescription=An unknown error occurred}
    26/03/2013 19:42:04.286 servermgrd[2973]: [2973] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:42:04.322 servermgrd[2973]: [2973] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    26/03/2013 19:45:20.502 Server[1154]: Error: The server '127.0.0.1' reported an error while processing a command of type: 'getState' in plug-in: 'servermgr_timemachine'. Error: Error Domain=XSActionErrorDomain Code=1000 "An unknown error occurred" UserInfo=0x7ffac43f84a0 {NSLocalizedDescription=An unknown error occurred}
    27/03/2013 11:56:52.191 servermgrd[110]: [110] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out
    27/03/2013 11:58:54.217 servermgrd[371]: [371] error in getAndLockContext: flock(servermgr_timemachine) FATAL time out

  • My newish MacBook Air was just lost to a coffee spill, and I need to migrate back to my MacBook Pro using a recent back-up (Time Machine to external disk).  Can I do this?

    My newish MacBook Air was just lost to a coffee spill, and I need to migrate back to my MacBook Pro using a recent back-up (Time Machine to external disk) for a few weeks.  This same disk was used to back-up the Pro earlier, and to migrate from the Pro to the Air.  Can I do this "back-migration" from the Air to the Pro?  Is it maybe better just to migrate the specific folders (Outlook email, Office docs) I am sure I need?

    Do not attempt to copy files/folders from a Time Machine backup. Only use the Time Machine application to restore from the backup.
    Click on a Finder window and select Help from the Finder's Help menu. Search for "restore" and select "restore items backed up with time machine" from the hints list. You will find these two articles:
    Recover items using Time Machine and Spotlight
    If you use Time Machine to back up your Mac, you can use Time Machine with Spotlight to recover lost or deleted items.
    Note: You can retrieve earlier versions of TextEdit documents from within TextEdit. For more information, see: 
    View and restore past versions of documents
    Open a Finder window and type a search word or phrase in the search field in the upper-right corner.
    Select a location to search in the location bar.
    Refine the results by specifying search criteria. Narrow down Spotlight search results
    Open the Time Machine menu in the menu bar, then choose Enter Time Machine.
    Use the arrows and timeline to browse the Time Machine backups. Your search is performed in every window.
    When you find the item you want to restore, select it, then click Restore.
    The restored item is returned to its original location. For example, if the item was found in the Documents folder, it’s returned to the Documents folder.
    Restore items backed up with Time Machine
    If you use Time Machine to back up your Mac, you can easily bring back lost items or recover older versions of files.
    You can use Time Machine within many apps. If the iCloud Documents & Data feature is turned on, you can recover older versions of iCloud documents as well as regular documents.
    Open a window for the item you want to restore.For example, if you accidentally deleted a file from your Documents folder, open the Documents folder. To recover an email message, open your inbox in Mail. To recover an iCloud document, open the document’s app, choose File > Open, then click iCloud to view the iCloud documents for that app.If you’re missing an item from the desktop, you don’t need to open a window.
    From the Time Machine menu in the menu bar, choose Enter Time Machine. A message may appear while your Mac connects to the backup disk.
    Use the arrows and timeline to browse the snapshots and backups.White tick marks represent snapshots stored on your internal drive (portable computers only). Pink tick marks represent backups stored on your backup disk. If a tick mark appears dimmed or grayed, there’s no backup available or the backup disk is not connected.
    For more information about an item, double-click it.The windows in Time Machine behave just like Finder windows, so you can open folders, click items in the sidebar, and use the search field in the upper-right corner of the window.
    When you find the item you want to restore, select it, then click Restore. You can restore individual items, multiple items, folders, or your entire hard disk.The restored item is returned to its original location. For example, if the item was found in the Documents folder, it is returned to the Documents folder.

  • I had to restore my IMac back via Time Machine because Mavericks keeps crashing

    I had to restore my IMac back via Time Machine because Mavericks keeps crashing on install, it gets down to less then one minute, and I get a white screen with the apple in the middle.  Now I have version 10.8.5, but if I try to download again it states that I need version 10.7. Now How do I get 10.7, and dowload Mavericks?? Help

    You shouldn't need 10.7. Something is messed up with the App Store.
    3 things you can try.
    1. - Sign out of the App Store (in the Store menu)
    - Quit the App Store
    - In Finder - Go>Go to folder...  (or Apple-shift-G)
    - Paste in the following "~/Library/Caches/ "
    - It will take you to a folder.  Delete com.apple.appstore
    - Launch the App Store.
    2. Try resetting the App Store.
    Reset       Learned from Old Toad
    3. Spotlight – Re-index
    You can also try creating another admin user and see if you can download it there.

  • HT201250 How can I back up Time Machine?

    Looking for instructions for backing up Time Machine.  Eventually looking to purchase iCloud.

    Thanks debbie, that caution basically means back up your existing system.
    This is good advice. To use Time Machine, you simply need to obtain a backup drive (externally connected hard disk or a Time Capsule) and plug it in. The rest is very intuitive and completely automatic.
    External backup disk drives are not terribly expensive - about $150 depending on size.
    The reason your original question caused some confusion is that it was interpreted as having a backup disk of your backup disk. Two backups... belt and suspenders. Also a good idea, but overkill for most people.

  • Time Capsule won't back up Time Machine

    Hi,
    I work with an iMac and OS 10.5.7. O bought this with a Time Capsule and for the first couple of months it back up Time Machine fine.
    It has now stopped doing so. I have reset to factory settings several times, the internet connectivity (ethernet cable to cable modem) works fine, but no matter how often I set up Time Capsule again on Airport and then go into Time Machine on System Preferences to select the Time Capsule as Time Machine disk, it simply won't do it.
    I am at my wits' end on this. I may as well have bought any old harddrive, as the internet connectivity is not an issue for me!
    Can anyone help?
    cheers
    Damien

    Damien, welcome to the discussions!
    The connection between your Time Capsule and your computer has been lost. Try these steps to see if they help re-establish that connection:
    Open System Preferences and open Sharing. Make sure that your computer name appears. Try to eliminate any apostrophes or other punctuation marks and limit to 25 characters or less including spaces.
    Open AirPort Utility and click on Manual Setup. Click the Time Capsule tab below the icons. Make sure that your Time Capsule name appears. Use the same guidelines as above.
    Click in an open area of your desktop to show the Finder menus at the top of the screen. Click on Finder and then click on Preferences and then the General tab. Under the heading of "show these items on the desktop", make sure there is a check mark next to "Connected Servers"
    Power down the Time Capsule and wait a few moments, then power it back up.
    Now click System Preferences and Time Machine. Choose change disk and click your Time Capsule to highlight it and then click Use For Backups.
    Please post back on your progress.

  • Can i go back with time machine but without the applications(to keep it the same)?

    can i go back with time machine but without the applications(to keep it the same)?
    i want to make my mac "younger" but i've got applications that i want to keep and i have them not so long ago...

    Clone your system them.
    Keep your OS and apps on separate hard drives.
    Install the OS if you must for now on another hard drive.
    Use Setup Assistant when done.
    = = =
    Using Cloning as a Backup Strategy
    http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/7032/carbon-copy-cloner 
    http://www.bombich.com/software/updates/ccc-3.5.html
    OS X Lion Install to Different Drive
    How to create an OS X Lion installation disc MacFixIt
    Migration Assistant Update for Mac OS X Snow Leopard
    http://www.apple.com/support/lion/installrecovery/
    Create an OS X Lion Install disc
    http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20080989-263/how-to-create-an-os-x-lion-ins tallation-disc
    How to clone your system:
    http://macperformanceguide.com/Mac-HowToClone-backup.html
    http://macperformanceguide.com/Mac-HowToClone.html
    http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/7032/carbon-copy-cloner
    http://www.macperformanceguide.com/blog/2012/20120711_2-MacPro-internal-clone-ba ckup.html

  • WD Passport for Mac stopped backing up Time Machine - can anyone help?

    So I have a mid 2012 macbook pro without the new mavericks thing on it, and a wd passport for mac 2tb thats 6 months old.  The passport has worked fine until suddenly it has stopped backing up time machine.  Everytime i plug it in and start the back up it gets through 200mb max before stopping and showing this message - TimeMachine couldn't complete the backup to My Passport for Mac An error occurred while copying files. The problem may be temporary. If the problem persists, use Disk Utility to repair your backup disk.
    The disk utility doesnt appear to find anything wrong with it at all.  Has anybody else had this problem? Or know how it can be fixed?

    I suggest you start with:
    See User Tips for Time Machine 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.
    See also, A whole lot about Time Machine
    Mac 101- Time Machine
    And, select Mac Help from the Finder's Help menu and search for "time machine." There should be numerous help articles including how to restore files from a TM backup.

  • Can the time machine be accessed remotely over the internet?

    Hi, I am thinking about purchasing the time machine. Can the hard drive on the time machine be accessed remotely over the internet?

    Do you realize that if you store some of your Mac's data (photos, music, etc.) ONLY  on the external Time Capsule, AND also  store your "Time Machine" app "system backups" on the Time Capsule,then if the Time Capsule hard drive ever fails you will have lost the " original" and the "backup" copies of all that data  (photos, music, etc.)?  They will be gone forever.  NOT recommended!

Maybe you are looking for