Disk failure and no Time Machine backup

Hi, I had hard disk failure on my iMac and I don't have Time Machine or any other backup.
By press 'Option' key, I may access Disk Utility, but failed if trying to verify or repair disk (see photo), and it asked me to '...Backup as many of your files as possible...'
I also tried to 'Reinstall OS X' via Internet, but the Mac seems getting frozen (spinning beachball) at 'Loading Installation Information' (see photo)
Could anyone please tell me how to '...Backup as many of your files as possible...'???
Do I have to disassemble iMac and pull the hard disk out......?
Thanks

Removal of the disk drive sounds like your only hope of recovery any data
You are probably going to need recovery software because it sounds like the directory is totally corrupted.
You can find information about a bunch of them at http://mac-data-recovery-software.esoftreviews.com
If the recovery software is not able to recovery enough of your data, there are services that can do that for you. But expect to pay big bucks for that, think like $$$$.
You are going to implement a backup plan after this episode?

Similar Messages

I get these crashes regularly, several times a day.. mostly during disk access and/or time-machine backup

Interval Since Last Panic Report: 91987 sec
Panics Since Last Report:          5
Anonymous UUID:                    B0924435-E795-4CE8-94B2-9233830B2071
Wed Dec 28 14:14:46 2011
Machine-check capabilities (cpu 0) 0x0000000000000c09:
family: 6 model: 42 stepping: 7 microcode: 26
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2860QM CPU @ 2.50GHz
9 error-reporting banks
threshold-based error status present
extended corrected memory error handling present
Machine-check status 0x0000000000000005:
restart IP valid
machine-check in progress
MCA error-reporting registers:
IA32_MC0_STATUS(0x401): 0xf20000c000010005 valid
MCA error code:            0x0005
Model specific error code: 0x0001
Other information:         0x000000c0
Threshold-based status:    Undefined
Status bits:
Processor context corrupt
Error enabled
Uncorrected error
Error overflow
IA32_MC1_STATUS(0x405): 0x0980000000000000 invalid
IA32_MC2_STATUS(0x409): 0x0000000000000000 invalid
IA32_MC3_STATUS(0x40d): 0x0000000000000000 invalid
IA32_MC4_STATUS(0x411): 0x0000000000000000 invalid
IA32_MC5_STATUS(0x415): 0x0020000000000000 invalid
IA32_MC6_STATUS(0x419): 0x0020000000000000 invalid
IA32_MC7_STATUS(0x41d): 0x0020000000000000 invalid
Package 0 logged:
IA32_MC8_STATUS(0x421): 0x0020000000000000 invalid
panic(cpu 0 caller 0xffffff80002c2c95): "Machine Check at 0x00007fff8c6d2aa1, registers:\n" "CR0: 0x0000000080010033, CR2: 0x0000000100afe000, CR3: 0x000000005ed16044, CR4: 0x00000000000606e0\n" "RAX: 0x0000000000000000, RBX: 0x0000000000000000, RCX: 0x000000000000000a, RDX: 0x0000000000000000\n" "RSP: 0x00007fff6d1e2dc0, RBP: 0x00007fff6d1e2de0, RSI: 0x00007fff8cfe2838, RDI: 0x00007fff723a3680\n" "R8: 0x0000000000000001, R9: 0x00007fce9ce91ac0, R10: 0x000000010dd79880, R11: 0x000000010dd79ff0\n" "R12: 0x0000000000000000, R13: 0x000000010dde9600, R14: 0x00007fce9eb4d7b0, R15: 0x00007fce9ec602b0\n" "RFL: 0x0000000000000246, RIP: 0x00007fff8c6d2aa1, CS: 0x000000000000002b, SS: 0x0000000000000023\n" "Error code: 0x0000000000000000\n"@/SourceCache/xnu/xnu-1699.24.8/osfmk/i386/trap_native.c:2 78
Backtrace (CPU 0), Frame : Return Address
0xffffff800081bd20 : 0xffffff8000220702
0xffffff800081bda0 : 0xffffff80002c2c95
0xffffff800081bf00 : 0xffffff80002d83ef
BSD process name corresponding to current thread: Finder
Mac OS version:
11C74
Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 11.2.0: Tue Aug 9 20:54:00 PDT 2011; root:xnu-1699.24.8~1/RELEASE_X86_64
Kernel UUID: 59275DFA-10C0-30B3-9E26-F7B5DFB1A432
System model name: MacBookPro8,3 (Mac-942459F5819B171B)
System uptime in nanoseconds: 2602723119878
last loaded kext at 1911948933880: com.apple.driver.AppleUSBCDC    4.1.15 (addr 0xffffff7f80791000, size 16384)
last unloaded kext at 2139148857068: com.apple.driver.AppleUSBCDC    4.1.15 (addr 0xffffff7f80791000, size 12288)
loaded kexts:
com.apple.filesystems.smbfs    1.7.0
com.apple.driver.AppleIntelProfile    85.1
com.apple.driver.AppleHWSensor    1.9.4d0
com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch    66.3
com.apple.driver.AudioAUUC    1.59
com.apple.filesystems.autofs    3.0
com.apple.driver.AppleMikeyHIDDriver    122
com.apple.driver.AppleHDA    2.1.3f7
com.apple.driver.AppleMikeyDriver    2.1.3f7
com.apple.driver.AGPM    100.12.42
com.apple.kext.ATIFramebuffer    7.1.4
com.apple.driver.AppleUpstreamUserClient    3.5.9
com.apple.driver.AppleMCCSControl    1.0.26
com.apple.driver.SMCMotionSensor    3.0.1d2
com.apple.iokit.IOUserEthernet    1.0.0d1
com.apple.Dont_Steal_Mac_OS_X    7.0.0
com.apple.driver.AppleSMCLMU    2.0.1d2
com.apple.driver.AudioIPCDriver    1.2.1
com.apple.driver.ACPI_SMC_PlatformPlugin    4.7.5d4
com.apple.driver.AppleLPC    1.5.3
com.apple.ATIRadeonX3000    7.1.4
<snip>

I forgot to mention.. this is a brand new mac book pro + apple genius bar ran hardware test overnight, no failures, they replaced my WS .. same issue!!
I works fine until I add my personal files (~~100 gig of text and bin files in my home dir), then it fails.. I have file-vault enabled.. but it failed without it.

I am trying to upgrade from Tiger to Snow Leopard. When I insert the disk and install starts, it states "This disk is used for Time Machine backups" and Mac OSX can't be installed. Does anyone know how to correct this (since Tiger doesn't have Time Mach

I am trying to upgrade from Tiger to Snow Leopard. When I insert the disk and install starts, it states "This disk is used for Time Machine backups" and Mac OSX can't be installed. Does anyone know how to correct this (since Tiger doesn't have Time Machine)?

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2986

Error message when trying to install mavericks. It won't let me select a disk to install Mavericks on. Message says "This disk is used to Time Machine backups." It is NOT used for back ups. help

When trying to chose a disk on which to install mavericks I get a message that says "this disk is used for Time Machine backups" and cannot be used. Help!

I don't know what will help at this point. You should never update a system that has problems, unless you're absolutely sure that the problems are caused by a bug that is fixed in the update. With your backups in an uncertain state, you should not update or do anything else except start a new backup.

In the installation process lion will not install as message reads MAC HD 904 gb available this disk is used for time machine backups .What is the next step

After downloading ,completing the lic agreement phase, the next step is where to install and automatically' MAC HD with 904 gb available this disk is used for time machine backups' is shown and installation is blocked .
Any body got any idea what to do next ?

Time machine needs its own partition to operate. So you are not going install a OSx Lion on that volume.
If there is enough room you may be able to partition the drive on the fly with DiskUtility
Are you saying you clean installed Lion and you are trying to move your user Data over with TM via the migration Assistant? Please explain.

Unable to install Lion. Installer says disk is used for Time Machine backups. But it's my Mac's HD.

On attempt to install Lion from CD, the installer says: "Mac OSX cannot be installed on "Macintosh HD". This disk is used for Time Machine backups."
I have an external drive that I've been using for Time Machine backups, but it stopped functioning recently and I have not replaced it.
Is there a workaround?
Thx in advance. Bryant

Maybe this http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2986 can help you.
Stefan

"Mac OS X cannot be installed on 'Macintosh HD'. This disk is used for Time Machine backups."

I am trying to upgrade our MacBook to Snow Leopard, but when prompted to select which hard drive to install on and "Macintosh HD" is selected, the following message generates: "Mac OS X cannot be instaled on 'Macintosh HD'. This disk is used for Time Machine backups."
I disabled Time Machine switched it "off," put it in the trash can, then "Secure Emptied" the trash can. I also rebooted. Then I connected an external hard drive thinking that might help, but for some reason I still cannot proceed with the Snow Leopard upgrade because "the disk is used for Time Machine backups."
WHAT is the DEAL!?

It doesn't sound like an upgrade would work very well anyway. Make sure you have a good backup and repartition the startup volume. Then install Snow Leopard onto the hard drive and migrate your old users and applications.

Lion Install does not work, says "This disk is used for Time Machine backups"

I'm having trouble installing Lion onto my macbook pro intel core 2 duo.
I am backing up my computer with an external drive using TimeMachine, but i've disconnected it. Also i'm running SL 10.6.8
I have a windows 7 partition that was created with boot camp.
I've tried to make sure everything is all ready for lion but when I go to install lion it says "This disk is used for Time Machine backups" and the hard drive is grayed out.
Same problem as this guy: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3190321?start=0&tstart=0
I'm hearing that a file called "Backups.backupdb" is on the top level of the hard drive, but I see no such file. I've looked at the invisible files and I cant find it.
I've also created a bootable flash copy of the lion install but that does not work It gives me the same message "This disk is used for time Machine backups".

"Backups.backupdb" if the file in Time Machine. As the discussion says, you have to find that file and trash it. Try spotlight to locate it. If that does not work, down load OmniDiskSweeper from the Internet (free) and go through an organized search to find "Backups.backupdb". If that takes too long or is too tedious, then if you have everything backed up, erase the HDD and start from square one.
Ciao.

I am getting error "The disk is used for Time Machine Backup" when installing the new OSX Mountain Lion upgrade"

I am keep getting this error "The disk is used for Time Machine Backup" when installing the new OSX Mountain Lion" when doing the upgrade to newly OS.

The folder would be at the root of your hard drive. Double-click Macintosh HD and look there.
If it isn’t there, I’m not sure what it is seeing.

"This disk is used for Time Machine backup..."

I bought my MacBook Air in january 2012 and want to install the new Mountain Lion update. I have downloaded it but when I´m supposed to choose where to save it I can't choose the Macintosh HD because "This disk is used for Time Machine backup..."
What can I do?

After 10 days of trying to install Mountain Lion I finally took my IMac t the Apple Store in town. It was still under Apple Care. When I would try to install it I would get a message that this disc (HD) was used by Time Machine. I had read about the Time Machine backup folder some people had mentioned should be trashed. I used "Find" and "Spotlight" and never could find it. My phone calls to Apple Support were non productive. The young lady tech at apple took all of one minute to fix the problem. She simply went to the backup folder which was empty and trashed it. mmediately the Mounain Lion begin the install and problem solved. She said that folder would not show up using Find or Spotlight as they were not to be messed with by the average Joe. It was on the HD but I have forgot how she got to it. The Apple Store was a great experience. You call and make an appointment and take your computer to what they calll the Genius Bar where they have nummerous technicians. They hook it up with you sitting at the Genius Bar as you show them what the problem is and they fix it on the spot in most cases. They will even carry the computer in and out if you need help. They also answered some other tech questions not related to my original problem. They must have the fastest net connection in the world and you are free to walk into the store and use it if you have a big download. On one install it would have taken me 8-10 hours at home while going to the store it took less than an hour. You have a place to put your computer on a bar and a stool to sit on while doing this. No charge of course. I am sure glad I bouhgt Apple Care in this case. A very impressive operation.

Install problem because disk is used for Time Machine backups?

I am currently running OS 10.6.8 on a MacBook Pro 15 inch. I just purchased Mountain Lion from the App Store and I am trying to install, but it tells me that it can't install on my hard drive because "This disk is used for time machine backups". Which as far as I can tell is not even true, because I have set up an external hard drive for the Time Machine backups. So I can't get past this screen and install. What can I do?

Low possibility, but check System Preferences/Time Machine to make sure the hard drive isn't listed. While there, turn off Time Machine and try the install again. If that doesn't work, disconnect your external drive, restart and try the install again.
Also see these discussions.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/19033168#19033168
https://discussions.apple.com/message/15699444#15699444

"Disk is used for Time Machine Backups" on My air, HELP!

I am trying to download Mavericks on my mac air. I get almost to the download and it says "Disk is used for Time Machine Backups" I did a backup from my old pro to my new mac air when I got it a month or so back but would that affect it ? Help!

Time machine needs its own partition to operate. So you are not going install a OSx Lion on that volume.
If there is enough room you may be able to partition the drive on the fly with DiskUtility
Are you saying you clean installed Lion and you are trying to move your user Data over with TM via the migration Assistant? Please explain.

When attempting to upgrade my iMac from Snow Leopard to Mavericks, I receive the message "This disk is used for Time Machine Backups" when I try to select the lone available hard drive.

When attempting to upgrade my iMac from Snow Leopard to Mavericks, I receive the message "This disk is used for Time Machine Backups" when I try to select the lone available hard drive. I have ensured that Time Machine is turned off. Upon some Google research, some who reported this problem were told to delete the folder backup.backupdb, but I do not have this folder on my Mac. Any suggestions?

The folder would be at the root of your hard drive. Double-click Macintosh HD and look there.
If it isn’t there, I’m not sure what it is seeing.

Can't install Lion This disk is used for Time Machine backups

The Lion installer, downloaded from the app store, won't let me select my internal hard disk, it says "This disk is used for Time Machine backups" which it isn't.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Neil

I was sure that I had trashed the Backups.backupdb folder from the top level - it did require me to enter my Admin password.
Yes I had tried several times to go back to the terms of agreement screen and click agree once again, but still had the problem.
I had external HDs connected, but disconnected them and the problem persisted.
I restarted my mac and now the message has gone away and I am having no problems installing.
Thanks everyone

Can't install - my disk is used for Time Machine backups

I only have one hard disk. And it has Time Machine turned on. Mountain Lion won't let me install on this disk, saying
"This disk is used for Time Machine backups"
I'm ASSUMING this means that I cannot install ML on a Time Machine disk.
Is this right?
So, do I turn off Time Machine to get ML to install?

I deleted Backups.backupdb.
Now, the ML installer says simply "OS X cannot be installed on <my drive>"
What the ???

Disk failure and no Time Machine backup

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for