STILL Preparing For Backup!

Hi,
Time Machine seems to be taking DAYS to "prepare for backup". Yes it will be the first backup to my new external firewire drive. I guess it's preparing to backup the 117gb of stuff.
Is there any way to speed up this process and should I just leave me laptop on until this first backup process completes no matter how many days it ends up taking?
Thanks.

Preparing your iPhone for restore its supposed to be about 1-2 minutes! Do you see any errors the time you plug in the wire from your iPhone to iTunes?

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Very long time preparing for backup to Time Capsule

Hi folks,
Long time reader, first time posting a question. I got my new Time Capsule and set it up yesterday as my wireless router and backup system for two computers-a new iMac running 10.5.2 and an older MacBook laptop (~ 2 yrs old) also running 10.5.2. The wireless networking worked fine, I was able to print, and the full backup of the iMac worked. It's even done several incremental ones today, and I'm able to access the backups using Time Machine. So far, so good, BUT the laptop is still "preparing" the backup- more than ten hours later! I've got it in the same room as the Time Capsule, hooked up via an ethernet cable right now. It's not a particularly big hard drive (~75 Gb, about half used). What gives? Should I start over and, if so, what can I do to get it past the preparing stage?
Marca

If you double-click on your time capsule icon in the Finder and open the folder therein, you should see a file
called something like "computername_xxxx.sparsebundle. If your first attempt to backup that computer failed
(as mine did) and then you fixed the problem and tried again, the second attempt at backup may also fail if you don't remove that sparsebundle file. The second backup attempt should then work and a good sparsebundle file will be recreated.
It's been a few weeks now, and my Time Capsule seems to be working fine-backing up both my computers. I'm also able to access and retrieve files from the backups. What I learned from this setup attempt is 1) fix your permissions before trying the initial backup and 2) do your first backup via an ethernet connection, subsequent backups can then be done wirelessly.
Hope that's "ladybird book" enough for you-not sure what that means here on the other side of the pond! It's sounds intriguing though.

HT203177 very long 'preparing for backup' for Time Machine

None of the issues discussed in the apple support page on this issue seem to apply to me (except one below regarding not completing the 'prepare for backup'). It still takes way too much time (a night is not enough) to prepare for time machine backup, even though there was a backup recently, and it is not a one-time event but a recurring problem, and there are no big changes to my files or disks.
And of course because most days it does not complete the backup before I have to leave to work, the condition on 'not interrupting the backup' cannot be respected. This looks like plain poor design.
The only thing that helps is to connect my laptop directly to the Time Machine by Ethernet but it is very inconvenient.
This is really annoying. I wish I had bought another disk back-up solution.

saggybaggy wrote:
The Mac Pro I'm backing up is Leopard 10.5.8, could this be the issue?
No, Time Machine works on 10.5.8.
I'm trying to back it up before I upgrade my operating system.
Good plan!
Also, for the backup I'm using the same external drive that I used to backup my MacBook Pro already... not sure if this would cause any issues in preparing.
Not in preparing, but it's usually not a good idea to use the same partition on the same drive for both. See Time Machine - Frequently Asked Question #4 for an explanation.

Photoshop elements 11 freezes when I try to back up the catalogue. i get a message "Please wait while Elements Organizer prepares for backup". what do i do?

Photoshop elements 11 freezes when I try to back up the catalogue. i get a message "Please wait while Elements Organizer prepares for backup". what do i do?

Thank you for responding. Nothing actually worked! After reading the posts online, I called Apple. They indicated they have seen problems with some software after their upgrades. The technician was able to fix the problem on my computer remotely, but I have no clue what he did! But, it was definitely related to their recent upgrade to my computer.

Leopard applications all hang while Time Machine prepares for backup

I'm sure others have posted about this but I can't find a usable solution. I have the most recent version of Leopard, a 1TB external FireWire drive dedicated to Time Machine storage and about 400GB of backups on it. Every day at some point, Time Machine starts a backup, pauses while preparing, and the entire Mac grinds to a halt. New processes won't launch, open applications hang, Finder becomes unresponsive, menus and dock freeze in whatever position they were in at the point of launch, and I can't cancel the backup process.
The only solution is to turn off the backup drive while its running and wait for the Mac to wake up again (which it does in under a minute). I have no virus protection running. I have erased the drive and started fresh at least once to no avail.
Since I am effectively breaking a live connection every time I turn the drive off without unmounting it first (an obvious no-no), the data has great potential to be getting more and more screwed up. What can I do?

Message logs:
October 12, 2009, 1:43:25 AM
Volume at path /Volumes/Racer BU does not appear to be the correct backup volume for this computer. (Cookies do not match)
Backup failed with error: 18
October 12, 2009, 11:32:32 AM
Starting standard backup
Backing up to: /Volumes/Racer BU/Backups.backupdb
Event store UUIDs don't match for volume: Racer X
Node requires deep traversal:/ reason:kFSEDBEventFlagMustScanSubDirs|kFSEDBEventFlagReasonEventDBUntrustable|
No pre-backup thinning needed: 984.2 MB requested (including padding), 443.72 GB available
Copied 21948 files (368.1 MB) from volume Racer X.
No pre-backup thinning needed: 548.2 MB requested (including padding), 443.35 GB available
Copied 961 files (965 KB) from volume Racer X.
Starting post-backup thinning
Deleted backup /Volumes/Racer BU/Backups.backupdb/Eric’s Mac Pro/2009-10-10-215828: 443.35 GB now available
Deleted backup /Volumes/Racer BU/Backups.backupdb/Eric’s Mac Pro/2009-10-10-205855: 443.36 GB now available
Deleted backup /Volumes/Racer BU/Backups.backupdb/Eric’s Mac Pro/2009-10-10-195856: 443.40 GB now available
Deleted backup /Volumes/Racer BU/Backups.backupdb/Eric’s Mac Pro/2009-10-10-185908: 443.46 GB now available
Deleted backup /Volumes/Racer BU/Backups.backupdb/Eric’s Mac Pro/2009-10-10-175907: 443.51 GB now available
Post-back up thinning complete: 5 expired backups removed
Backup completed successfully.
October 12, 2009, 12:18:32 PM
Starting standard backup
Backing up to: /Volumes/Racer BU/Backups.backupdb
No pre-backup thinning needed: 954.4 MB requested (including padding), 443.51 GB available
Unable to rebuild path cache for source item. Partial source path:
Copied 16717 files (339.6 MB) from volume Racer X.
No pre-backup thinning needed: 569.5 MB requested (including padding), 443.17 GB available
Copied 634 files (18.7 MB) from volume Racer X.
Starting post-backup thinning
Deleted backup /Volumes/Racer BU/Backups.backupdb/Eric’s Mac Pro/2009-10-10-225832: 443.24 GB now available
Deleted backup /Volumes/Racer BU/Backups.backupdb/Eric’s Mac Pro/2009-10-10-165828: 443.25 GB now available
Deleted backup /Volumes/Racer BU/Backups.backupdb/Eric’s Mac Pro/2009-10-10-155855: 443.30 GB now available
Deleted backup /Volumes/Racer BU/Backups.backupdb/Eric’s Mac Pro/2009-10-10-145857: 443.36 GB now available
Deleted backup /Volumes/Racer BU/Backups.backupdb/Eric’s Mac Pro/2009-10-10-135852: 443.38 GB now available
Post-back up thinning complete: 5 expired backups removed
Backup completed successfully.
October 12, 2009, 4:46:51 PM
Starting standard backup
Volume at path /Volumes/Racer BU does not appear to be the correct backup volume for this computer. (Cookies do not match)
Backup failed with error: 18
etc...
The long periods between backups are when it is "preparing for backup" and nothing is happening. Sometimes this is while I'm not using it and the machine is asleep.

Always 'Preparing for Backup' message

My Time Capsule was working fine till yesterday. But from today, I see it is always 'Preparing for Backup' for quite a long time.
I normally switch on the Time Capsule once a week and back up, which would take about 8 hr and then switch it off.
But today I see the icon revolving always 'Preparing for Back up' but the actual back up never starts.
Is there a way to trouble shoot this problem?

Yes Sir, OneOrangeTree
Thank you for your interest.
When I switch on the TC during the weekends (week days it is switched off) it takes 2 or even 4 hr under 'Preparing for Back up' and then finally it does back up fine. So this is okay now.
My new observation is that when i switch off and switch on, then next back up is indicating as 10 GB and it takes a whole night for back up. Even when I don't load any data into the computer, except safari browsing, it always indicates 10 GB to back up. I wonder if this is a known problem. If so I hope it will be taken care in the next 10.5.5?
Thanks once again.

Time Capsule stuck at Preparing for Backup, and internet TC latency issue

I have an iMac that backs up to my 1TB Time Capsule. I have had it since March. Suddenly it stopped backing up. It get's stuck at "preparing for backup" and never actually completes a backup.
I am also experiencing a HUGE latency issue with my internet connection. I am constantly having to use the 'refresh' page button in Safari.
help....

TB,
*_Time Machine May Report "Preparing..." For a Long Time_*
Consider these factors regarding an extended period of "Preparing...". Consider each topic separately and do not attempt to act on all of them at once.
*Recent Crash or Other Major System Event* (Deep Traversal)
The reasons for this process are described in an article by George Schreyer. “During the preparation step it checks the FSEvents log for consistency. If it determines that something isn't quite right it has to rescan the whole disk. This can take quite awhile. A full rescan is always triggered by a crash, an unplanned shut down event or by booting from some other bootable disk between backups…. After a crash, Time Machine must scan the whole disk to determine what it has to do because it cannot trust the information that it left behind. Connected via an Ethernet connection, this phase would typically take 20 minutes on an older PowerBook. Being connected wirelessly stretches this phase out to over 3 hours.” [http://www.girr.org/mac_stuff/backups.html]
According to the following KB article it can sometimes take a very long time if Time Machine begins this “deep traversal” and has to compare data inventories. This may apply to your situation, particularly if many Gigs of data are involved. (http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1516)
*Anti-Virus Software*
Running anti-virus software can interfere with the backup process. Either disable it altogether, or try the suggestion outlined here, “If you use third-party anti-virus scanning software and have issues, make sure your Time Machine back up folder (Backups.backupdb on the Time Machine disk) is excluded from virus scanning.” (http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1516)
*Software Updates* #
Installing new software, upgrading existing software, or updating Mac OS X system software can create major changes in the structure of your Macs directories. Time Machine will backup every file that has changed since the installation.
If you take a look at the Console logs Time Machine may be reporting that your backups need "deep traversal". That's fine. Time Machine knows what is wrong and how to fix it. If you have a great deal of data, it may take quite awhile.
After an OS update (like 10.5.5) Time Machine realizes the system no longer matches what it looked like during the previous backup. So it has determined that it's earlier catalogue of what-should-be-where is 'untrustable'. So it is going to go item-by-item comparing the before and after of your system. If you have just performed an OS Update then Time Machine knows what it's doing - let it do it!
*Spotlight Keeps Indexing Backup Drive* #
It may be that Time Machine can’t proceed or complete a backup due to a Spotlight indexing error. During this period, take a look at the Spotlight icon in the upper right corner of your screen. Is there a tiny dot pulsating in the center of the spyglass? Click on the icon. Is there a progress bar displayed? Generally Spotlight indexing is a good thing. But at time it may hang and never progress, preventing backups from taking place.
Go to System Prefs --> Spotlight --> Privacy Tab.
Drag your Time Machine disk into the window. It should now be among the items to exclude from indexing.
Now quit System Prefs.
Reopen System Prefs and remove ("-") the Time Machine disk from the window.
This should clear out Spotlights cache. Naturally, Spotlight should begin indexing again (maybe even for a few hours depending on how much data there is), but it should eventually stop.
*Reboot Time Capsule* #
Stop the backup from the Time Machine menu.
When the Time Machine icon stops spinning, unplug the TC from the wall outlet.
Wait 10-15 seconds.
Re-plug it in again.
After it has restarted (30-60 seconds), attempt another backup.
Time Machine will report “Preparing…” again, but it shouldn’t be lasting more than a couple of hours.
Let us know if any of the suggestions above helped in your case.
Cheers!

Time capsule will not move beyond "preparing for backup."

The time capsule has been stuck in the "preparing for backup" stage indefinately: like months and months.
I tried deleting the preference file and also installed the time capsule widget. Here is the information that the widget is displaying about the attempted back up:
Starting standard backup
Attempting to mount network destination URL: afp://James%[email protected]/James%20Palmer's%20Time%2 0Capsule
Mounted network destination at mountpoint: /Volumes/James Palmer's Time Capsule using URL: afp://James%[email protected]/James%20Palmer's%20Time%2 0Capsule
Running backup verification
QUICKCHECK ONLY; FILESYSTEM CLEAN
Backup verification passed!
QUICKCHECK ONLY; FILESYSTEM CLEAN
Disk image /Volumes/James Palmer's Time Capsule/James Palmer’s iMac.sparsebundle mounted at: /Volumes/Backup of James Palmer’s iMac
Backing up to: /Volumes/Backup of James Palmer’s iMac/Backups.backupdb
Error writing to backup log. NSFileHandleOperationException:*** -[NSConcreteFileHandle writeData:]: No space left on device
Event store UUIDs don't match for volume: Macintosh HD
Error writing to backup log. NSFileHandleOperationException:*** -[NSConcreteFileHandle writeData:]: No space left on device
Exception writing exclusions cache. NSFileHandleOperationException:*** -[NSConcreteFileHandle writeData:]: No space left on device
Unable to create exclusions cache data.
Failed to write exclusions cache. Continuing anyway.
Error writing to backup log. NSFileHandleOperationException:*** -[NSConcreteFileHandle writeData:]: No space left on device
Waiting for index to be ready (101)
Waiting for index to be ready (101)
Waiting for index to be ready (101)
Waiting for index to be ready (101)
Waiting for index to be ready (101)

You have continual messages.. No space left on device
Is your TC full..?? Are you using wireless to connect to the TC?
The time capsule has been stuck in the "preparing for backup" stage indefinately: like months and months.
Note that Time Capsule is the hardware device.. Time Machine is the software that prepares the backup.. They are completely different.. !!
Open either the TM preference or the airport utility and tell us how much space is reported left on the drive.. or is the local hard disk full??
If you upgraded OS on the computer it can fail to properly clean up old backups and you will need to step in and erase the TC yourself. Or plug in a USB drive and set that as a new destination for the backup.

LIVE Video Tutorial! How to Prepare for Backup and Recovery - HP Expert Day "How-To" Video Series – Today at 2:00pm PST

Join us at 2:00pm Pacific time for a LIVE video tutorial of how to prepare for system backup and recovery! The video features HP experts who work with the products every day!
I am an HP employee.

#test

Pre-Order but still "Prepared for Shipment"?

I noticed a lot of people getting their shipments early.
I ordered mine around 7pm on 6/15. I barely made the cutoff for the 6/24 shipment. My order still says, "Prepared for Shipment" with delivery on 6/24.
Anyone else in the same boat? I hope they ship it soon...doesn't it come from like China? If they don't ship it soon, what are the chances it will actually come on the 24th?

I ordered mine at 7:30 in Utah and received an email this morning saying I would get mine tomorrow. According to the Fedex site, it is in the sort center in my state. I am so excited. Have faith and hope that everything will work out fine. As the song goes, "Every little thing's gonna be alright.".

Stills preparation for FCP7 HD

Hi all,
I've read a number of articles about stills preparation but some maybe a bit old so can I check that what I'm doing is correct for the current FCP7, Aperture 3 and Photoshop CS4.
Looking to import images shot on a 5D MK11 into FCP7 combining film shot on same camera 1920x 1080 using Apple Pro Res 422
-Use Tiff images
-Size 4800 x 2700 72dpi (increased size for motion)
-Profile HDTV (REC 709)
-RGB
Are these settings correct for what I want and do you have any other advice. Will be shown on the web mostly but also on DVD.
Thanks.....

They have to be under 4000 pixels in order to work in FCP. Any more and FCP might crash. It's a 4K limit. Resize the largest side to 3800 on all and you should be fine.
Shane

Timeline preparing for backup hanging up

Hi, could use some help. My Timeline backup process is hanging up as it is "preparing to backup". Restarting the computer, unplugging the drive, etc. haven't changed anything. What else can I look into? Please provide detailed steps, as I'm not super tech savvy. Thanks.

Hi,
See if there is anything in this Link by Pondini, to help you:
http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/Time_Capsule.html

Stuck at 'Preparing for backup'

I don't know what happened but i'm suspecting that it has something to do with onyx.
Recently, i run onyx and it suddenly hang while it was cleaning up so i decided to force quit it.
After that, i had problems connecting to the internet, it keeps showing me the KCF error 302 or something like that on safari. While on firefox, it keeps saying invalid url or something.
I decided to reboot my time capsule and my modem. Now, it's work properly and i can connect to the internet.
However, my time machine isn't working. It stuck at 'Preparing for Back up' for quite some time now.
I googled earlier on about the KCF Error 302 and i read someone that the core unix system block the port 80 or something similarly to that.
So i'm pretty like "OMG". Is there anything that i can do to undone this?
I'm guessing that the when the OnyX was running and cleaning up some things and got hanged it kinda crash the unix core or something? I don't know i recently switched to Mac.
I'm on the verge of reformatting everything. I can use Migration Assistant to restore back everything from my Time Capsule right? How will it work?
I hope i provide enough details!
Ohh i forgot, when my internet isn't working i started to panic and i decided to redownload safari.
When i tried to install i got this error.
Screenshot here.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/7036/picture1hv8.png
Message was edited by: Annngel

I don't know what happened but i'm suspecting that it has something to do with onyx.
Recently, i run onyx and it suddenly hang while it was cleaning up so i decided to force quit it.
After that, i had problems connecting to the internet, it keeps showing me the KCF error 302 or something like that on safari. While on firefox, it keeps saying invalid url or something.
I decided to reboot my time capsule and my modem. Now, it's work properly and i can connect to the internet.
However, my time machine isn't working. It stuck at 'Preparing for Back up' for quite some time now.
I googled earlier on about the KCF Error 302 and i read someone that the core unix system block the port 80 or something similarly to that.
So i'm pretty like "OMG". Is there anything that i can do to undone this?
I'm guessing that the when the OnyX was running and cleaning up some things and got hanged it kinda crash the unix core or something? I don't know i recently switched to Mac.
I'm on the verge of reformatting everything. I can use Migration Assistant to restore back everything from my Time Capsule right? How will it work?
I hope i provide enough details!
Ohh i forgot, when my internet isn't working i started to panic and i decided to redownload safari.
When i tried to install i got this error.
Screenshot here.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/7036/picture1hv8.png
Message was edited by: Annngel

After Maverick installation I find I am unable to get a Time Capsule backup started to my WD My Passport for Mac. It just stays in preparing for backup, then times out.

I have a 2009 Mackbook Pro. Have about 124gb left on the 500 gb WD My Passport. Thanks!

Just checked Time Machine and found that the backup is happening, but the icon for time machine does not go in circles any more, like it used to to show that the backup is in process. FYI

No sound while time machine prepares for backup

something strange happen to my OS. yesterday i updated to 10.5.2, and now, while time-machine started to prepare it's backup, i tried to listen to a mp3 song.
no sound came. in the system preferences, suddenly i don't have any sound input or output devices.
i have a powerbook g4, 1.87 ghz, 1.5 RAM.
what is going on here???.

something strange happen to my OS. yesterday i updated to 10.5.2, and now, while time-machine started to prepare it's backup, i tried to listen to a mp3 song.
no sound came. in the system preferences, suddenly i don't have any sound input or output devices.
i have a powerbook g4, 1.87 ghz, 1.5 RAM.
what is going on here???.

STILL Preparing For Backup!

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