Selecting which disk to use in Time Machine

Mavericks allows the use of multiple backup disks in Time Machine. Is there any way to select which disk to use when browsing a backup?

Yes while clicking on the TM icon in the Status bar press the option key.
The Enter Time Machine menu entry will change to Browse Other Backup Disks. You can then elect the disk to browse.

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HT201514 Why can't I select my disk for use with Time Machine with OS 10.6.8?

I have used Time Machine for some time with my MacBook Pro. However, my backup disk does not show in Time Machine. It did however, offer me the chance to stop a backup, so I checked that off. Now I can't even set up Time Machine; every time I slide the switch to On, a window pops up that says something about Airport Extreme, which I know nothing about and doubt I that I use.

Pudge7 wrote:
I have used Time Machine for some time with my MacBook Pro. However, my backup disk does not show in Time Machine. It did however, offer me the chance to stop a backup, so I checked that off.
It sounds like the backups may be damaged; try to Repair them, per #A5 in Time Machine - Troubleshooting.

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.

Cannot install Mountain Lion on my hard disc, as I keep getting the message" 'This disk is used for Time Machine backups'. Which it isn't - I don't use Time Machine

Cannot install Mountain Lion on my hard disc, as I keep getting the message" 'This disk is used for Time Machine backups'. Which it isn't - I don't use Time Machine

Check to see if you have a folder named "Backups.backupdb" at the root level of your hard disk. That can cause this error message.

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.

"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.

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 Yosemite because my startup disk is used for Time Machine backups?

Tried to install Yosemite, but when I get to the screen which asks which disk I want to install it on, it won't allow me to select my computer's hard drive because "This disk is used for Time Machine backups." Any suggestions?

Because at the time I originally set it up I couldn't afford an external drive for a real backup, but thought it would be useful to have Time Machine copies in case I accidentally deleted a file or changed my mind about having done so. Once I finally got that external drive and started backing up to it, I forgot I had Time Machine files an my startup disc and didn't know that would be a problem. Anyway, thanks for the info, that fixed my problem.

Can't load Mavericks says that my disk is used for Time machine.

I am unable to progress with the loading because when it asks which disk to load it on, I mouse over my hard drive and says this disk is used for Time machine back up. I have an external hard drive for the back up and there is nothing in my Time Machine settings that has my hard drive. It is a Macbook Pro 15" 2011.

Disconnect the external drive. Sometimes, that message appears because the folder used by Time Machine to store backups is in the root level of the hard drive, so open a Finder window, select the Go menu (on the menu bar) > Go to Folder, and type:
Then, delete "Backups.backupdb" and empty the Trash. Finally, open the Mavericks installer again and install OS X Mavericks

HT201250 How do I reformat a disk to use for Time Machine?

How do I reformat a disk to use for Time Machine?
The disk is from Seagate, a GoFlex Home unit that was used originally by someone else with a PC.

Drive Preparation
1. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
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 Security 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.

"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

Can't install Lion on my HD. Says this disk is used for time machine backups

I just downloaded Lion to install on my 2008 macbook and i can't get past the window that asks me to select the disk where I want Lion installed. It says my hard disk is used for time machine backups. Any suggestions on how I can select my hd to install Lion?
Thanks

That means there is a directory on your HD called something like backups. backupdb
It thinks you're using the drive for TM. Delete this directory and it will then load.
Regards,
Captfred

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.

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

Selecting which disk to use in Time Machine

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