Time Machine backup failed - "Read Only" - does that mean external HD is full?

Just received an error message re: Time Machine -
Time Machine Could not complete the Backup.
Files can't be copied onto the backup disk because it appears to be "read only"
Does this mean I have to try and repair the external HD OR can it mean the external HD is full (which I was expecting) and I need to start a new one?
When I open Preferences, it says "Available: 2.04 of 319.94 GB
Oldest Backup - (blank)
Latest Backup - Failed
I have turned it off and don't want to do something stupid.
So, should I follow directions to try to reformat the disk using Disk Utility? Does it mean everything on there is potentially lost?
Thanks for any directions . .

The backup drive has malfunctioned and corrupted itself. If that has ever happened before, or if it ever happens again, replace the drive. You may want to consider replacing it anyway for the safety of your data.
You should start another backup now, on another drive, if you don't already have one. One backup is never enough to be safe.
If you choose to keep using the problem drive, turn Time Machine OFF temporarily in its preference pane, then launch Disk Utility, select the backup volume, and run Repair Disk. This operation may take several hours. If that action doesn't solve the problem, you'll have to erase the volume and start over. Don't do that unless you have at least one other complete backup. Remember to turn TM back ON.

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purduegrad_macguy wrote:
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Time Machine backup failed - "Read Only" - does that mean external HD is full?

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