Moving TM backups using Finder in Snow Leopard

It has been suggested by Apple to some users that in Snow Leopard the folder backups.backupdb containing all TM backups can be copied from one hard drive to another if one wants to migrate TM backups to a new drive. It is also suggested in this kb article
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2986
that one can just move this folder around on a single drive if necessary.
I've tested this extensively and and found this advice to be mostly false. Copying the backups.backupdb folder using Finder does work technically but it completely destroys all hard link structure. this means that one should expect the total space taken by the backups to increase by a large factor. for example, if you are backing up 100GB of data and have about 10 TM backups, after you copy the backups.backupdb folder to a new location (on the same drive or on a different drive) it will occupy 1TB of space there. if you don't have enough space the copy process will fail.
Note that due to the use of hard links the original backups will occupy much less space on the drive, usually, less than 150GB in the above example.
This restriction makes the process completely unfeasible for all but the smallest backups with very few incremental backups existing.
the only situation where the hard link structure is preserved is if you trash the backups.backupdb folder and then use the "Put back" feature to get it out of trash.
Therefore I would still recommend never to move this folder (or anything in it) using Finder. Migrating TM backups to a new drive should still be done using a cloning tool like Superduper or using the restore tab in Disk Utility.
Message was edited by: V.K.

I was surprised to note that it took nearly the same amount of time as the Restore tab of Disk Utility (which I'd expected to be faster). So the only advantage I can see, even if it worked reliably, would be the ability to get the backups off a partition that has other data on it. Guess I'll have to change the FAQ yet again.
Mumble, grumble.
I still haven't heard back from them about the other issue where they changed the FAQ, about no full backup after a full restore, where you and I also get different results. Maybe I'll press the issue and add this one.
I'm also working one that you may have seen, where a +Verify Disk+ on the boot drive somehow interferes with TM's ability to find changes from the +Event Log,+ until you do a Restart. Two or three other folks have seen it, too. That one I reported to Apple Care last Wednesday; they said I'd hear something in 24-48 hours . . .

Similar Messages

Starting fresh with a SSD and I cannot find my Snow Leopard disc...

So I have a Mac Pro with OS X 10.6.8, 2 x 2.26 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon, 8 GB ram, and I am trying to move my OS over to a Solid State Drive. I have the original instal disc for 10.5 but I cannot find my Snow Leopard disc.
So I installed 10.5 on the SSD but can't figure out anyway to upgrade to 10.6, at which point I can purchase Mountain Lion or whatever, but you can't upgrade beyond Snow Leopard without first having Snow Leopard, right?
I know I can "clone" my original SATA drive with Snow Leopard, but part of the reason I am doing this is to get rid of a bunch of the useless crap on that drive, so I'd like to avoid a full clone.
I know it's only $20 to buy a fresh version of Snow Leopard, but on 10.5 there is no App Store, and there doesn't seem to be anyway to purchase it online as a download. So I would need to go to a real life store or have it shipped, right?
So if there is some other way to upgrade or to clone JUST the OS without any of the other crap, that would be amazing!
Thoughts?!

Why not download and look at its options? I recommended for that and other reasons.
And yes you should move all your data to another drive. Keep what you have 'as is' and pull it as extra backup or in reserve.
Before you clone, install TRIM Enabler!
And after you clone, run Disk Utility's REPAIR DISK on the SSD -- just to be on the safest side.
http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/37852/trim-enabler
How to relocate system and user data to another drive:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4337http://chris.pirillo.com/how-to-move-the-home-folder-in-os-x-and-why/To successfully relocate your operating system, user accounts and data from one storage device to another, meet the following conditions:
The destination storage device (SSD drive or hard drive) you are migrating to should be physically located in the same computer. Moving operating system files from one computer to another computer using software not specifically designed for that computer can cause issues due to software, hardware, and firmware version mismatches.
Always back up your storage device with Time Machine or Disk Utility before you start.
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
Create an OS X Lion Install disc
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/
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20080989-263/how-to-create-an-os-x-lion-ins tallation-disc
http://www.coolestguyplanettech.com/how-to-make-a-bootable-osx-10-8-mountain-lio n-disc-or-drive-from-the-downloaded-mountain-lion-app/
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
SSD: Samsung 840 128GB (500GB $320)
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Series-120GB-internal-MZ-7TD120BW/dp/B009NHAF06/
Sonnet Tempo Pro
http://www.sonnettech.com/product/tempossdpro.html
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Sonnet%20Technologies/TSATA6SSDPR/
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Sonnet%20Technologies/TSATA6SSDE/
Icy Dock $15
http://www.amazon.com/2-5-3-5-Ssd-sata-Convert/dp/B002Z2QDNE/

Using iCloud in Snow Leopard

I have spent the better part of a morning researching how to use iCloud with Snow Leopard. I found that iCal Contacts and Mail can be synced with iCloud on Snow Leopard. There are several posts on how to accomplish this. I was sucessful in setting up my iCal to sync with other devices using iCloud on Snow Leopard.
I have tried at least a dozen times to get my Contacts to sync with iCloud and Snow Leopard after finding several posts with explicit instruction as to how to do it. However, every atempt has failed. Each of the instructions I followed were slightly diferent. I have not found one that worked. Blog posts are filled with success stories of how others have gotten it to work, but not me. I can set up Address Book with an iCloud account but when I select iCloud as my list of addresses, all I get is a message saying "no Card Selected."
I am very frustrated that I canot get this to work while others sing praise of their success.
If anyone has a definitive answer as to how to get Contacs to sync through iCloud in OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard) please let me know.
Thank you.

There is no definitive answer, iCloud is not supported on Snow Leopard, so you are reduced to hacks which may or may not work.
Google for Contacts solutions, there are some, some which work, some which don't. And some that do and then don't.
If you want a supported solution then you must use Soho Organizer, it supports iCloud on Leopard through Mavericks. But it's $99

Bought used iMac, reinstalled snow leopard, stuck at start up screen

I bought a used iMac from someone who has owned it for about a year. He had upgraded to Lion from snow leopard but I wanted to reformat everything back to the original settings(like new) so I could start from scratch. I used the original snow leopard start up discs that came with the machine and held down c when restarting, the installation went fine but when the computer restarted after the installation the apple in the grey screen appeared and the spinning circle at the bottom spun for a few seconds then froze. I let it sit over night thinking it was just taking a while to start up but in the morning it was still on the same screen, nothing had changed. Any idea what the problem is?
-Clem

You have to use Disk Utility to erase the ENTIRE boot drive by selecting the drive makers name on the far left, it will have the disk size too.
You need to do this to erase the 10.7 Recovery and reset the partition map back to 10.6 acceptable version so your 10.6 Disk Utility can repair the drive (and get the machine to boot) and remove the 10.7 EFI partition for 10.6 version.
I suggest you also use the Security Option > Zero all data, not for scrubbing the drive, but also for mapping off any failing sectors.
Reducing bad sectors effect on hard drives
Once 10.6 is installed, setup and Software update until clear.
then install programs, then files and only to 50% of the hard drive if possible for best performance.
don't go over 80% as it can start having issues as it gets near full.
Good Luck, setup a clone and then you can boot from the external clone drive anytime and in seconds.
Most commonly used backup methods explained

I want to install Snow Leopard Server on our MacPro (2.66) using Mac Mini Snow Leopard Server disks? I kept getting an error for backwards compatibility. Is this possible or do I need to purchase another copy of Snow Leopard Server?

I want to install Snow Leopard Server on our MacPro(2.66) using Mac Mini Snow Leopard Server disks? I kept getting an error for backwards compatibility. Is this possible or do I need topurchase another copy of Snow Leopard Server?

The OS disks that are shipped with a particular product
are set up so that tey will only install on that product.
It will install on any Mini of that exact vintage, but that
is all.
This is to prevent people from doing exactly what you
are trying to do. The license for OSX shipped with any
is only valid for that product. Also, Snow Leopard,
including Server, is only permitted to be run on one
computer at a time. Bottom line, unlike Lion, legally
you cannot install the same copy on multiple
computers unless some "family pack" or site license
is purchased.
Yes, you need to purchase another copy.
The copy of Snow Leopard license is here:
http://images.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/macosx_snowleopard.pdf

I am using FCP 4.5. what do I need to do to use it with snow leopard?

I am using FCP 4.5. what do I need to do to use it with snow leopard?
Steve

Yes.
If you do NOT need to keep working right NOW, wait until summer and the new Final Cut Pro X release. No real idea about it other than the interface will likely be significantly changed along with the unerlying video engine.
If you do need to be productive today, order the FCS 2009 (aka Final Cut Studio 3) Suite. Unless your FCP4.5 is the Academic Version, you'll be able to upgrade for $299 (US pricing. Unsure of the cost in the rest of the world.
Good luck,
x

I can't find my snow leopard disc, How do i format my macbook pro without it?

I can't find my snow leopard disc, How do i format my macbook pro without it?

Call AppleCare (1-1800-APL-CARE) and give then the serial number. They will send you a new copy of the two disks for shippingand handling of $16 each (I think $16 each).

Will firefox 29.0.1 run on Mavericks [I am now using it on Snow Leopard]

will firefox 29.0.1 run on Mavericks [I am now using it on Snow Leopard]
will I need to upgrade to a newer version?

Yes. Firefox 29.0.1 works fine in Mavericks.
Firefox 16 is the last version of Firefox that works with Mac OS X 10.5
for more info
*https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-no-longer-works-mac-os-x-10-5

Using the native Snow Leopard VPN Client

Hello,
The company I work for recently began using ciso anyconnect for vpn connections. Before the switch I was able to use the native snow leopard vpn client to connect to the cisco vpn. I would like to know if this is still possible with cisco anyconnect. Thanks for the help.

Actually, we just answered our own question.
The cisco router is an older 2600 now slated with EoL.
Cisco IPSec protocol in the newer current Cisco IOS may not be compatible with OSX 10.6.4
The 2600 IOS is no longer supported, hence older IOS, hence the conflict.
So there ya go ... stay with current Cisco equipment and 10.6.4 native will probably work. 10.6.4 is dead to older Cisco.
Message was edited by: Walter Johnson

I Baught A iMac 2010 From Someone it came with lion but for the programs i use i need snow leopard but when trying to install it won't boot from usb or cd what can be the problem i've been at this for over 24 hours if anyone ca help it'd be greatly apprec

I Baught A iMac 2010 From Someone it came with lion but for the programs i use i need snow leopard but when trying to install it won't boot from usb or cd what can be the problem i've been at this for over 24 hours if anyone ca help it'd be greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

Downgrade OS X Lion To Snow Leopard [Video How-To]
http://www.cultofmac.com/110614/downgrade-os-x-lion-to-snow-leopard-video-how-to /
How To Downgrade OS X Lion To Snow Leopard: The Complete Tutorial
http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-downgrade-os-x-lion-to-snow-leopard-the-complet e-tutorial/
How To Downgrade from Apple OS X Lion to Snow Leopard
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2389334,00.asp

Unable to find data after backup and installation of snow leopard

Lots of data has disappeared?
I backed up my data by dropping my hard disk icon onto an external drive, at the end of the copying process, i checked to see that the backup drive had used the same amount of file space that i had on the computer.
I then formatted my laptop and installed snow leopard, now when looking at the backup drive a cant see all my files?
i have done this at various other times without problems, any ideas

Hi and Welcome to Apple Discussions...
Repair disk permissions.
Quit any open applications/programs. Launch Disk Utility. (Applications/Utilities) Select MacintoshHD in the panel on the left, select the FirstAid tab. Click: Repair Disk Permissions. When it's finished from the Menu Bar, Quit Disk Utility and restart your Mac. If you see a long list of "messages" in the permissions window, it's ok. That can be ignored. As long as you see, "Permissions Repair Complete" when it's finished... you're done. Quit Disk Utility and restart your Mac.
Carolyn

Can't use my mac since mavericks update but I didn't backup when I had snow leopard because I had no external hdd until I recently bought one. Can I revert back to SL?

So, here's the thing I just upgraded to Mac OS X Mavericks from SL but since upgrading my mac shuts off immediately by itself so I use it in safe boot. When I was running SL I didn't backup my stuff because I had external hdd, but I just bought one and I want revert back to snow leopard. How do I go back to snow leopard while also taking all my saved stuff even though I didn't backup it back then when I using SL?

Hei [email protected]
PROBLEM
=========
After upgrading to maverick 10.9.2 my camera stopped working on my iMac and on my MacBookPro.
First I suspected that it was the maverick upgrade, which was the problem.
After spending several days with searching on the internet and trying all the different suggestions.
Which included re-format hard disk, re-install Maverick again, safe boot, removing old *.kext files, repair disk, check disk with permissions etc. etc. (waste of time)
I phoned apple support, but supporter said that it was a non apple App which caused the problem.
Then I say somebody saying that the AirDisplay was the problem.
SOLUTION
==========
I finally found out that:
By uninstalling the AirDisplay solved the problem, and now the camera works again.
Here is the link how to uninstall AirDisplay:
http://www.avatron.com/support/faq-air-display/#toggle-id-24
PLEASE Avatron
==============
When do Avatron have a fix for this particular problem. No update was available today when I tried.
Are Avatron working on the problem?
A lot of people have this problem with AirDisplay and Maverick Update 10.9.2 !!!!!
search google
maverick 10.9.2 facetime camera air display not working
Regards
Finn Rosenkilde Rasmussen / (+45) 48 24 60 30
http://www.linkedin.com/in/hvepseeksperten
HvepseEksperten.dk ApS
Kongens Vænge 79
3400 Hillerød
Denmark

Backup keeps crashing with Snow Leopard

Anyone still using Backup, the Apple program, to still back up certain smaller files to iDisk? I was until I upgraded to Snow Leopard, and now all of a sudden Backup just crashes every time I try to use it.
I use TIme Machine and that's great for local backups, but insist on backing up important files (like Quicken) to a remote sight in case of a major catastrophe. Any ideas how to back up to iDisk automatically if Backup no longer works?

Hey - I have the same issue with Backup and iPhoto.
I understand what you wrote about Backup's limits - though I can't see any logic in such a limit. Backup needs to look at file sizes or dates and transport them to a destination. Regardless of size (?!)
In the case of IPhoto I've made the same mistake and upgradet iDisk, only to find out that Backup 3.1.2 reports a "no space left on the device". As I understand the iPhoto Library folder it's just a fancy look for a 100% regular folder with sub-folders and jpg files.
None of my (single) pictures are >90mb .. so while they take up a lot of space when counted all-in-all, I can't see that as a reason for Backup to reject the upload/transport ?
I realize it would take quite some time to upload my 13Gb picture collection in the first batch, but was counting on Backup to only upload pictures with newer dates in the future. So uploading a couple of hundred mb's once in a while would be very much achievable on a household upstream connection.
My questions:
1. Why upgrade a iDisk to 40+ Gb if Apple have no method of backing up peoples images ? Everybody have digital cameras and if the iPhoto Library folder is percieved as one big file .. then 90mb is a very very unusable limit !
2. Can any of you name a transporter software/ftp thingie that will do as described above ?
3. Can iDisk handle the iPhoto Lib if you manually drag it up ? (just to know if we're only searching for an alternative to Backup 3.1.2. or to iDisk itself)
Thanks in advance
/Bo of Copenhagen
3.

(Non-Time Machine) backup software recommendations for Snow Leopard

I have been a long time user of Retrospect Desktop backup software, up to and including version 6.1. It has saved my skin at least twice when I've had catastrophic hard drive failures. I've been using 6.1 successfully in Leopard, under Rosetta. However, as I prepare to upgrade to Snow Leopard, I discovered Retrospect 6.1 will incompatible. According to Roxio:
+Snow Leopard stores some files, including some applications and all files in the /System/ directory, in a compressed format. Retrospect can only restore files in their uncompressed format. This means that a complete OS restore will require an additional 4-5 GB of available storage space on the destination. When /System/ files are restored uncompressed, the Mac OS X may complain about certain files, such as fonts and kernel extensions, not being installed properly.+
Naturally I thought about upgrading to Retrospect 8, which is supposed to be compatible with Snow Leopard, until I read the disaster stories of bug-ridden unfinished Retrospect 8.0 software being released as golden master without a manual. These inexcusable problems persisted through 8.0 and 8.1. Version 8.2 is in beta and addresses restoring from previous version backups and PowerPC compatibility, but it remains to be seen if Roxio will salvage Retrospect and return it to a position of respectability. (Too bad EMC bought Dantz years ago.)
In any case, I'm now looking for other backup software. I need software that does incremental backups, can restore the system to a previous state existing at the time of a given previous (not necessarily most recent) backup, and supports user-defined rules for file inclusion/exclusion, as well as automated scripts. Automatic verification of the backup by comparing original files to the backed-up version (like in Retrospect) is nice, though probably unnecessary most of the time. Time Machine is nice but in my experience doesn't support some of these features and I'm not entirely comfortable relying on Time Machine alone because I've encountered some problems in the past where my backups were lost.
I'm considering Carbon Copy Cloner, but not sure it does true incremental backups and can restore the system to a state that existed at the time of a previous -- rather than most recent -- backup. Also considering Intego's Personal Backup and ProSoft's Data Backup 3.
I would love to hear any recommendations you might offer regarding these or any other backup software solutions.
Thanks.
Message was edited by: Anthony M Kassir MD

In any case, I'm now looking for other backup software. I need software that does incremental backups, can restore the system to a previous state existing at the time of a given previous (not necessarily most recent) backup, and supports user-defined rules for file inclusion/exclusion, as well as automated scripts.
Time Machine can do all that except the scripts - I'm not sure what you're wanting to script - and it doesn't have rules for exclusion, but does let you exclude any items you specify. From the sounds of it, though, you're trying to make your backups more complex than they need to be. Keep it simple and there's less chance for something to go wrong.
I'm not entirely comfortable relying on Time Machine alone because I've encountered some problems in the past where my backups were lost.
You shouldn't be comfortable relying on any single backup program. Backup software is still software, and as such can have bugs and suffer failures. For optimum safety, you should use two different backup programs to maintain a minimum of two separate backups.
I'm considering Carbon Copy Cloner, but not sure it does true incremental backups and can restore the system to a state that existed at the time of a previous
CCC does do incremental backups, but restoring to a specific state might not be entirely possible. When a file is added, it is simply added to the clone when CCC runs its next backup. There's no way to know which files were added when, AFAIK. When a file is removed, it is moved from its old location in the clone to an identical path inside a dated folder in the same location as the clone.
Personally, I rely on a combination of TM and CCC. I keep one backup with TM, which lets me go back to any time I want. I also keep several CCC clones of just my user folder (everything else is easy enough to recreate if necessary), with one of them in the safe deposit box at the bank at all times.

I deleted backups using Finder, help!

After I used finder to delete old backups to make room for new backups, I realized that data was still on the disk even though the name was removed. I tried to restore the backups from the trash, and I still could not use right click or the star wars icon to delete the backup properly. I was only able to recover folders "In progress", no files were included. Is there some way I can just reformat or erase the disk and start from scratch? I don't need the old backups, just a new backup. What is the quickest way to do this? Thank you for any assistance you can give.

AndieK wrote:
I do have a second backup disk (non-time machine), that is only for my critical business files so I am good there; I used Time Machine for the full system backup.
Good plan!
How do I get my current full system Time Machine Backup drive operational again?
Erase it, per #1 in [Formatting, Partitioning, Verifying, and Repairing Disks|http://web.me.com/pondini/AppleTips/DU.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of the +Using Snow Leopard+ forum).
You might want to browse [Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/FAQ.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).

Moving TM backups using Finder in Snow Leopard

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