ITunes library backup on Time Machine disk

Never used Time Machine before, and I am getting a new ext hard drive this week for this purpose.
Can I also manually put files on the Time Machine backup as well? Basically, does a Time Machine drive mount normally in that I can create folders and copy files to it, as well as use it for Time Machine's automatic backing up?
Reason I ask, is I'd like to backup my iTunes library to a folder on the drive as well as have it do Time Machine backups. Also, if this is redundant, and Time Machine will have all this stuff safely backed up (with easy access), let me know. Thanks.

skiltrip wrote:
Never used Time Machine before, and I am getting a new ext hard drive this week for this purpose.
Can I also manually put files on the Time Machine backup as well?
You can, but there are some cautions. See #3 in Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).
Basically, does a Time Machine drive mount normally in that I can create folders and copy files to it, as well as use it for Time Machine's automatic backing up?
As you'll see in #3, yes.
Reason I ask, is I'd like to backup my iTunes library to a folder on the drive as well as have it do Time Machine backups. Also, if this is redundant, and Time Machine will have all this stuff safely backed up (with easy access), let me know. Thanks.
Unless you tell it not to, Time Machine will back up almost everything on your system. It does exclude a few things automatically, such as system work files, most caches, your logs, and trash.
You might want to review the Time Machine Tutorial
and perhaps browse the rest of the FAQ.

Similar Messages

How to merge existing itunes library with another time machine volume?

hi all,
i am 2 macs, an iMac and a MacBook - both running Snow Leopard 10.6.3 and both running itunes 9.
is possible to merge the itunes library on the MacBook onto the iMac via my MacBook's Time Machine volume? i do not have my MacBook with me at this moment cos' i have sent it for diagnostic and repair. i have the latest itunes library backups on my MacBook's Time Machine.
hope to hear some valuable pointers. Thank you!

mook73 wrote:
is possible to merge the itunes library on the MacBook onto the iMac via my MacBook's Time Machine volume?
i have never attempted such an operation, so no step-by-step guide !
you will be able to restore the other Mac's library to the iMac. go here and follow the instructions: http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/17.html. restore whatever you need to a temporary location, i.e. the desktop.
if you only want the media files, just restore the iTunes music folder. when restored, use +add to library+ from the file menu or just drag the folder you restored to the +automatically add to iTunes+ folder inside the iTunes folder.
if you also want playlists, playcounts, and ratings, you should restore the entire iTunes folder.
take a look @ PowerTunes. this app should enable you to merge the two libraries.
good luck !
JGG

Cant find system backup in Time machine disk

I use two Macs, one iMac and one Macbook Pro.
both are being backuped on the same Time Machine, but with different users.
Before changing disk on iMac I made full backup (700GB) and could see the files in the directory and I got no error messages when creating the backup.
I restarted the iMac with CmdR and I now find the Time Machine disks, one for the iMac and one for Macbook Pro. When choosing iMac (where I know there are files in the folder /timemachine imac/imac.sparsebundle/bands) it can not find any system backups and no backups to choose from! For the Macbook Pro backup I can find a lot of didfferent system backups to choose from!
Very annoying as I can see files in the backup folder for iMac in the Synology NAS 212j, Time Machine.
Please help me as I do not have access to my old disk (warranty disk from Apple)!
Greatful for all tips!
Thanks in advance!

Check Time Machine Preferences/Options to make sure nothing is being excluded.
You might want to look at D5
Time Machine Troubleshooting

ITunes Library Pointing to Time Machine Backup

I got a message this morning that iTunes couldn't sync any audio files to my iPhone because the files were in an unsupported format. When I investigated, I found that my iTunes music library was pointing to files within my TimeMachine Backup (a sparse bundle image, or something like that) for the actual audio files.
I do use a LaCie d2 Network drive to store both my media folder and my Time Machine backup... still, I have no idea how iTunes ended up pointing to content that was part of my Time Machine backup.
Luckily, I was able to restore my music library from a backup I had done yesterday, and everything seems to be fine now. Still, it's a bit scary... I have no idea what happened.

Okay, thats weird.
Try to consolidate your media.
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH990
also, in the iTunes music folder, go inside to manually check if the songs are there.

Deleting iPhoto library backups on Time Machine

If I choose "deleting all backups" of the iPhoto Library on Time machine, will it delete my latest backup too?

Look up the english definition of "all" - obviously if you delete "all" backups then you delete all backups including the oldest and the newest and all others
However exactly why do you want to do this and how are you proposing to do it? TM does not just make multiple copies of things - it makes one copy and then records all changes so when you restore it crates the version you want to restore from the first copy and the changes necessary to give you the version you want - there are not "multiple" copies of any file
I suspect you do not understand how TM works and may well be on a fools errand that will mess your your TM backup and leave you with no usable backup
maybe something here will help you understand http://pondini.org/TM/FAQ.html
LN

Deleting past backups from time machine disk

Hi all
I was wondering how do you delete old time machine backups?
Josh

Hi Barry,
I don't know about Josh's reasons, but I can give you two from my personal experience:
1) If you use an OS X Server that shares one of its drives as a Time Machine location for the clients, they will create sparsebundles (containing the Backups.backupdb) on the share. The also do backup thinning, but if the drive runs out of space and more than one backup is currently running it is possible that the backup fails due to free space suddenly being not available anymore. It usually works fine with only 1 concurrent backup.
2) You want to move your TM partition to another drive/partition and it is a little too big for that. Deleting some old backups can help.
Björn from frozen Germany

Cannot restore iphoto library correctly from time machine backup

Hi all,
Yesterday I had to reinstall my mac with no particular reason. Suddenly the startup screen with the "circle" went on indefinitely for 10+ minutes before shutting down the system. Yes, the power cord was plugged in. No, I didn't manage to start it in safe mode...
I thought it wouldn't be a big deal since I regularly back up my mac on an external drive by Time Machine. So I reinstalled and restored the system.
I could log in fine, but here's the catch:
1) only 3 iPhoto events out of 30 are restored
2) for all other events I seem to have the thumbnails but not the original or modified files
3) trying to browse into the Pictures folder shows that:
- the iPhoto library file does not appear with the usual icon
- if I examine the package, for all events that don't show up in iPhoto, the event hierarchy (e.g. 2008/eventxyz) exists but the folders are empty in both the "Original" and "Modified" hierarchies
- same if I click on the same file in ANY of the 4 backups I have on the time machine disk
By the way TM restored the system to MacOSX 10.5.2 even if I'm sure I had a later version. In fact, I can't open iTunes either because it says the library has been created with a later version of iTunes. But what really worries me is that I can't even find the .JPG original files.
Can somebody please help? I relied on Time Machine and there's 6 years of memories there...
Thank you

I have the same symptom, but as the result of an external hard drive failure. My Time Machine backups from June 2009 - August 2009 contain the iPhoto library. When I restore the iPhoto library (pick any random backup date) I can see the thumbnails or a blank dashed outline of the old photos. When I click on the thumbnail I can get the metadata (photo location, photo date, etc...) but the photos are gone. When I am in iPhoto the lower left corner of the interface shows the library size is 42Gb, but the restored library package is only about 3Gb. My guess is the difference in file size is equal to the size of the original (and modified) files that didnt get backed up. None of my iPhoto library packages in Time Machine are larger than 3Gb.
I brought my backup drive to the folks at the Genius Bar. They were perplexed. They suggested I bring in my Mac Mini so they could look at the console. I took a look at the console at home and searched for "Time Machine" and found nothing out of the ordinary.
Not sure why Time Machine would appear to run so smoothly yet selectively not back up my original photos. I can restore everything else from my Time Machine backup to my new external drive just fine.

Can't access library folder on Time Machine Backup

I'll try to explain this as clearly as possible...
1) I have wiped my hard drive and completed a clean install of Mavericks. I did this due to persistant problems with disc permissions that I could not eliminate.
2) I did not want to take a chance on introducing problems with migrating a profile from my Time Machine backup so instead of using Migration Assistant, I used Finder to browse the Time Machine backup I made prior to reformatting my drive to simply copy all my necessary data files back onto the drive in my newly created profile.
3) I've reinstalled the majority of programs I use and everything is looking good (no disk permission problems when I've checked using Disk Utility).
4) Mail is working just find with all my accounts having been restored using my Apple ID.
Here's the problem....
I forgot that some of my mail had been stored on my local hard drive. I beleive this mail should be in my user/library/mail folder of my time machine backup. However, I cannot access my User/Library folder in Time Machine. I've tried opening my current (new) User/Library folder in Finder and then selecting "Browse Other Backup Discs" from the Time Machine icon and, although this opens the Time Machine backups, I cannot do any time travel...in other words, although there are many stacks of folders shown in the backup, I cannot move into the past from the present.
Any suggestions on how I can get this Mail folder out of the Time Machine user/library? I know there is some stuff there that I'm going to have to get to.
Thanks!

It woked to get me into my current User/Library of my "new" profile but I cannot move back in time into the actual backups despite the timeline increments on the right side of the screen in Time Machine showing they're are backups for the past several months. I'm stuck on this moment so to speak.
Got to hit the sack...head is swimming. Thanks for the suggestions Barney. Let me know if you think of any others.

Backup to Time Machine failed due to large iMovie Library

Hi All
I have had issues backing up to Time Machine since upgrading to OS Mavericks and iMovie 10, the likely culprit is my large iMovie library. I have deleted my previous iMovie events, so only have the 1 iMovie library file related to the current version of iMovie. I have the following situation;
- iMac HDD - 1 TB with 0.5 TB free
- External HDD - 2 TB with 0.5 TB free (used for iMovie library which is 1.5 TB)
- External HDD - 3 TB with 1.0 TB free (used for Time Machine backup)
Now I have just imported some additional video into my iMovie library. When I try to do a backup I get the error "Backup Failed, Time Machine couldn't back up to "Time Machine"." Then further details suggest "The backup disk needs 1.55 TB for the backup but only 982.04 GB are available. Select a larger backup disk or make the backup smaller by excluding files." This seems to suggest that Time Machine wants to backup my entire iMovie library (ie, 1.55 TB)
Two questions; does Time Machine backup the entire iMovie Library each time there is a change rather than just the incremental imported files?, and how can I get my backup to work again?

Hello Eric,
unfortunately it is not possible to do it, because I have only remote access to the SAP system.
Is it possible to analyse the problem with the log files?
If yes --> which logs should I post here?
I went through the monitors in RZ20 and found a lot of errors/warning:
Database:
DBIF_SETG_SQL_ERROR
ORA-03106: fatal two-task communication protocol error
DB error 24909 in FET
SQL error 3106: WP in reconnect status
Background:
Job SAP_COLLECT_FOR_PERMONITOR terminated
Utilisation:
100% > 95% Background work process load exceeds threshold
BackgroundService: SystemWideFree BPWP: 1 WPs > 2 WPs Current value over threshold value.
Abap ErrorInUpdate
Syslog : BasisSystem
Operating system call recv failed (error no. & >E5)
The log file dev_cp retrieves the following information after execution of DB Check:
Trace file of control program (trace level 3)
< Function: BtcTrcInit> Function: main SAPXPG 700
2007-10-23--14-42-27 : Before BtcXpgDetach
> Function: BtcXpgDetach < Function: BtcXpgDetach Accept RFC connection from R/3 system
2007-10-23--14-42-27 : Before RfcAccept
2007-10-23--14-42-27 : RfcAccept returned OK
security check switched OFF
Install RFC call SAPXPG_START_XPG
Install RFC call SAPXPG_START_XPG_LONG
Install RFC call SAPXPG_END_XPG
Wait for RFC call SAPXPG_START_XPG or SAPXPG_START_XPG_LONG
2007-10-23--14-42-27 : Before first call of RFCDispatch
> Function: BtcXpgStartXpgLong
2007-10-23--14-42-27 : Beginning of BtcXpgStartXpgLong
> Function: BtcXpgStartXpgImportLong > Function: BtcXpgParam < Function: BtcXpgParam > Function: BtcXpgParam
Line Text
<No StdOut/StdErr output reported>
Target log table is not identical to source
ItGetLine terminated with NULL
<Function: BtcXpgItTransfer > Function: BtcTrcReset < Function: BtcTrcReset Call mode: VIA RF
Input arguments of BtcXpgStartXpg:
My WP settings are:
rdsip/wp_no_dia = 6
rdsip/wp_no_btc = 3
rdsip/wp_no_vb = 1
rdsip/wp_no_vb2 = 1
rdsip/wp_no_spo = 1
Thank you!
Thom

Where do I find the Library in a Time Machine backup after Lion installation?

Where do I find the Library in a Time Machine backp after Lion installation?

You can access the backups of another computer by holding down the option key and selecting "Browse other Time Machine disks" from the Time Machine menu in the menu bar. As for getting to the Library folder, you would have to use something like the free application "Tinker Tool" (not "Tinker Tool System") to make hidden files visible in the Finder, then enter Time Machine.

Cannot find iweb backup in time machine/library/app support

While using Multisite, I lost one of my two websites made in iWeb and published on a remote host. I searched time machine/previous date/library/app support. There is no iweb listed. My current library/app support shows the backup, but both backups are one website. I need help to recove my published website files.
Thanks

stanleefrommonterey wrote:
... I searched time machine/previous date/library/app support. There is no iweb listed. My current library/app support shows the backup...
The path you showed is the upper level of the hard disk. The file should be in your Home directory (probably aka "current library").
So, Time Machine/previous date/Users/your shortname/Library/Application Support/iWeb/
Also, see Where is iWEB domain file in lion time machine backup.
HTH

~/Library folder in Time Machine backups

Dear readers,
I have run into a somewhat weird problem with the ~/Library folder in my Lion Time Machine Backups.
I have made the folder visible for my normal user through Terminal and I can see it sitting in my user just fine.
However, if I want to manually copy Mail and Mail Downloads from my Lion Time Machine backup I cannot seem to make the ~/Library folder visible in my TM Backup.
I have tried to directly link to the hidden folder, but this doesn't work either.
Anyone who has the solution to this one?
Help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you.

Thank you for your fast reply;
Does this also work in Backups that have not been linked to a fresh install yet, ergo: The Time Machine disk is seen by Lion as a normal external HDD.
Say for example I wish to manually place files back due to a corrupted user, I will still not be able to see the /Library folder in my Time machine backup...

Extracted Time Capsule Disk – Can't See Old Backups in Time Machine UI

Hello,
I was one of the unfortunate souls that purchased a Time Capsule in March of 2008, only to have its power supply die last month. Instead of buying a new one, I decided to take out the hard drive and attach it to an Airport Extreme.
The first few steps went fine: opened the TC, got the drive out, put it in a new case and hooked it up. Once I had it mounted, I told Time Machine to do a backup. And it did. And it was merely an incremental one. I was optimistic.
However, now when I "enter the Time Machine," I can only see the latest state ("Today/Now").
I'm wondering if anyone has an experience successfully extracting a TC drive, or if anyone has encountered my specific problem before. The fact that the backup action recognized the existing backups has me hopeful that there's simply some arcane preference somewhere that will make the Time Machine UI recognize everything properly. After all, the point of extracting the drive was so that I didn't have to start over.
Thanks!

Ok, immediately after posting I read Pondini's "Time Machine - TROUBLESHOOTING" thread (http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2057525) and found a solution in E2:
Also, sometimes TM will start a new "sequence" of backups, as if they were from a different Mac.
To see these "other" backups, you need the (badly named) Browse Other Time Machine Disks option. It's available by holding down the Option key while selecting the TM icon in your Menubar, or by control-clicking (right-clicking) the TM icon in your Dock.
You'll see a selection screen showing all the disks/partitions that have TM backups on them. Select the one you want, and you'll be taken to the normal TM "Star Wars" interface, where you should see all the backups on that disk/partition.
In my case, there was only the one disk showing, but when i selected it, all of my backups were visible.
I'm not going to mark this as "Answered" yet, because the regular "Enter Time Machine" menu option still does not work, as described above. But at least now I have a workaround to access the backups.

How do i import an iPhoto library from a time machine backup?

how do i import an iPhoto library from a time machine backup? I did a back up and i formatted my machine. How do i get iphoto to be the same?

This screenshot shows how to restore a library from Time Machine.
There is NO importing necessary. One should never import one library into another. Just restore it to your Pictures folder and launch iPhoto.
OT

How do I use a Mac Mini + Airport Express + Time Machine disk to backup another iMac

How do I use a Mac Mini + Airport Express + Time Machine disk to backup another iMac?
The question pretty much says it all.
I have a Mac Mini with an attached 3TB Hard Drive used for Time Machine Backups.
I have an Airport Extreme base station which services that machine plus several others.
I would like to backup my new iMac and a MacBook Pro to the Mac Mini.
What do I need to do on the mini to export that hard drive so that it can be used as a Time Machine target from the other systems?
All systems are running 10.6.8.

Well you would have to do backups over a network which is much slower and has highest chance of becoming corrupt. I think your best option would be to get an apple time capsule to act as a network and back if thats how you wanna do that

ITunes library backup on Time Machine disk

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for