Time Machine Error--Can't create directory

I'm not a happy Time Machine user right now. Maybe someone can help me. Bought a 1 TB hard drive for backup of laptop internal hard drive and two external hard drives. Worked okay originally, but seems to cause some slow application loads and file transfers. Today started to get error message (this is not verbatim) "Can't run Time Machine because of directory problem." Great! What do I do now?
Thanks
P.S. I wish Time Machine had an archive ability to external medium such as data DVDs. Anyone else agree? Are there work-arounds? Maybe I uninstalled Intego's Personal Backup too soon?

Welcome to Discussions.
It sounds like you might have a disk problem with either your internal disk or the Time Machine disk. Launch Disk Utilities which is on the dock or, if you removed it, in the Applications > Utilities folder. Click on your Time Machine disk in the left pane and then click on the Repair Disk button. If any errors are found repeat Repair until Disk Utility gives the disk a clean bill of health.
Then click on your internal disk and click on Verify Disk. The Repair button will be grayed out because you can't repair a disk you are booted from. If any errors show up you will need to shut down and boot from the Leopard install DVD. Insert the Leopard install DVD, turn the computer on and hold down on the "c" key until you see the spinning gear. It will take awhile. Choose a language and select Disk from the Utilities menu at the top of the screen. Repair your internal disk and repeat until there are no errors.
Discussions is a user-to-user forum. If you would like for Time Machine to support archiving to CD/DVD or have any other suggestions for future features post them to Feedback as it is unlikely that anyone from Apple will read your post in Discussions but they do read Feedback.
http://www.apple.com/macosx/feedback/

Similar Messages

Time Machine: Error occurred while creating the backup folder

Mac Mini 2.53 GHz, 8 GB DDR3
OS X 10.8.4
Time Capsule 1 TB, connected via ethernet
Airport Utility 6.3.1 (631.4)
"Time Machine Error. Unable to complete backup. An error occurred while creating the backup folder."
I believe my Time Capsule is out of space and isn't removing older backups to create space for itself. Time Machine preferences says only 98 MB available on the 1 TB volume. I have used Pondini's superb troubleshooting page with the following results:
A1: Time Machine Buddy Widget. Partial log from backup attempt:
Backing up to: /Volumes/Time Machine Backups/Backups.backupdb
Failed to create progress log file at path:/Volumes/Time Machine Backups/Backups.backupdb/Macmini-34159E18D208 (4)/2013-04-04-223516.inProgress/.Backup.400571203.603238.log.
Event store UUIDs don't match for volume: Macintosh HD
Error: (Error Domain=NSCocoaErrorDomain Code=640 "You can’t save the file “598C5622-100E-456A-89AF-DEBC87A6CA89” because the volume “Time Machine Backups” is out of space." UserInfo=0x7f88a330cef0 {NSFilePath=/Volumes/Time Machine Backups/Backups.backupdb/Macmini-34159E18D208 (4)/2013-04-04-223516.inProgress/598C5622-100E-456A-89AF-DEBC87A6CA89, NSUnderlyingError=0x7f88a33056a0 "The operation couldn’t be completed. No space left on device"}) Creating directory 598C5622-100E-456A-89AF-DEBC87A6CA89
Failed to make snapshot.
Backup failed with error: 2
Ejected Time Machine disk image: /Volumes/Data/Macmini-34159E18D208 (4).sparsebundle
Ejected Time Machine network volume.
A4: Full reset of Time Machine. Done, did not change error from occurring on next backup attempt.
A5b: Verify backups on Time Machine. Done, successful (no problems).
C10: Also attempted switching out ethernet cable and tried different ports on the Time Capsule, to no effect.
I have no exceptions listed in Time Machine preferences (under Options) and the box for "notify when deleting old backups" is UNchecked.
Any suggestions would be most appreciated!!

grifftastic wrote:
I believe my Time Capsule is out of space and isn't removing older backups to create space for itself. Time Machine preferences says only 98 MB available on the 1 TB volume.
"You can’t save the file “598C5622-100E-456A-89AF-DEBC87A6CA89” because the volume “Time Machine Backups” is out of space."
Yes, it's so full it can't get started -- not even far enough to start deleting old backups.
If you have other data there (not usually a good idea), move some of it elsewhere temporarily, and try again.
If not, manually delete a couple of old backups, and "compact" the sparse bundle, per Time Machine - Frequently Asked Question #12.

Time Machine error - can't make first backup

I can't get Time Machine to make the first back up: I tried wirelessly and it reported a "Time Machine Error" after about 112GB of 270GB transfer, so I tried again via ethernet cable and again it failed with the same error message at about the same point.
So what do I do now? There is no way that I can see to know what is causing the error - there is no error number nor detail in the error message: +Time Machine Error. Unable to complete backup. An error occurred while copying files to the backup volume.+
Any help gratefully received.

joecmac wrote:
How can you search the system log to figure out what is causing the failure?
Hi joemac
First open the Utilities folder and then open the Console. You'll see various logs - I took the system log, so that I could see what had happened across the whole system. There's a mass of info, going back in time, so it's very very helpful if you know approximately what time the event took place. I did, because the backup failed before my eyes at 10.02 PM.
I saw this message - I've edited out my computer's name and highlighted the location and the file name that caused the failure:
8/28/08 10:02:59 PM /System/Library/CoreServices/backupd[26663] Error: (-36) copying /Users/~/Library/Preferences/IsmTempFile/ns14426860.tmp to /Volumes/Backup of ~ iMac/Backups.backupdb/~ iMac/2008-08-28-164831.inProgress/.../Macintosh HD/Users/~/Library/Preferences/IsmTempFile
I googled the file name to see what it was - it turns out to be something generated by my scanner and not critical according to posters on various forums.
I then went to the location (User/~/Library/Preferences), and deleted the file.
Then I tried another initial backup and it worked.
Hope this helps.

Time Machine Error: An error occurred while creating the backup directory

Time Machine Error: Unable to complete backup. An error occured while creating the backup directory.
I back up to wirelessly to a Time Capsule. I get these errors often. I'll go for a few days with everything working and then encounter these errors. I've even completely erased the Time Capsule drive and started over. It'll work fine for a few days and then start the errors over again. Interestingly, when the errors occur, the Time Capsule drive can not be unmounted even if clicking the eject button. I am on 10.5.8 but it happened in 10.5.7 as well. I have another Mac that doesn't seem to have any issues with the same Time Capsule.
Here's a log - they all seem to fail with similar errors:
Starting standard backup
Backup destination alias resolved to path: /Volumes/AirPort Disk
Disk image /Volumes/AirPort Disk/Brittney’s Computer_0019e33d4fde.sparsebundle mounted at: /Volumes/Backup of Brittney’s Computer
Backing up to: /Volumes/Backup of Brittney’s Computer/Backups.backupdb
2009-08-27 13:52:48.465 FindSystemFiles[2955:713] Querying receipt database for system packages
2009-08-27 13:52:48.693 FindSystemFiles[2955:713] Using system path cache.
Failed to create progress log file at path:/Volumes/Backup of Brittney’s Computer/Backups.backupdb/Brittney’s Computer/2009-08-26-212437.inProgress/.Backup.273091970.250248.log.
Error: (-50) Creating directory 7CCE60DD-ADCC-4004-A0D9-3EC83D892372
Failed to make snapshot.
Backup failed with error: 2
Failed to eject volume /Volumes/Backup of Brittney’s Computer (FSVolumeRefNum: -114; status: -47; dissenting pid: 0)

Nancy H wrote:
I used it as it came, supposedly formatted for a mac.
It may or may not be right.
I'd be inclined to start over, per #5 in the Frequently Asked Questions *User Tip* at the top of this forum.
If that doesn't help, go on to #C10, etc., in the Troubleshooting Tip, as in the previous post.

Time Machine Error - Back up Directory

I have searched the forum but didn't see anything specific on this. I have recently purchased the Time Capsule to go along with Time Machine and am having problems backing up after the first back up. Was able to complete the first back up but subsequent backups gives me an error "Time Machine Error. Unable to complete backup. Can not create back up directory."
Has anyone seen this and if so, have they determined a fix? I have unmounted and mounted drive. I looked for any .com.apple preferences that are related to Time Machine and found none. Might be the problem but I can't find solution.
Thanks in advance.

locmi01 wrote:
Error: (-50) Creating directory 2009-02-02-085042.inProgress
Failed to make snapshot container.
Backup failed with error: 2
This is fairly unusual. Here's other threads with what seems to be similar scenarios: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8761039&#8761039
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8508064&#8508064
As you'll see, the first one was a failing disk drive; the second never had a resolution posted (people often don't tell us what fixed their problems). So I'd be inclined to suspect your drive, since you've tried both USB and FW, pretty much ruling out cables, ports, loose connections, etc.
How long did you use this disk before the problems started?
Did you erase and format it, or use it as it came?
Do you have any of the "heavy-duty" disk repair apps, like DiskWarrior? I'm not really familiar with them, but some are far more rigorous than DU.

"Time machine error, The disk image cannot be mounted" What can I do??

I ran the time machine. Then, "preparing backup" showed up for a long time. After that, a window pop out: "Time machine error, The disk image cannot be mounted" What is disk image? What can I do (I can't back up anything)
P.S. I use time capsule for backup. there were no problem on connection

I'm having the same issue. I do not have TC as my base station. It says right in the book that if you choose, you do not have to have it run as your router, just as a part of your existing wireless network. All software is up to date and I have already shortened the name of both my TC and TC disc to 6 characters and no spaces! I've already spoken with someone today about this. He really didn't know. Have tried backing up both wirelessly and directly connecting with an Ethernet cord. I had to finally call because when I attempted to register the product to get online support, apple.com didn't recognize the serial number!!! The gentleman on the phone got it registered for me. I bought the TC from an official apple store and for whatever reason when he put in the serial number his computer said that this TC was so "old" I guess that there was technically "no support." That basically means that even though my parents just purchased this for me a week before Christmas, that it was made a year ago and the warranty is not good?? I need to do more research on that. Right now I am very unhappy about this. I am a firm apple user and have been for years, but this is frustrating.
I had read somewhere else (not sure I've been searching apple for what seems like forever now) to make sure that the TC was showing up in "devices" of the Finder. Mine doesn't show up there, but rather in the "Network" window. Is this an issue? If it is, can anyone tell me how to fix that. I have Time Machine backing up to my TC, so I do not see why it would be.
UPDATE: I just opened up my TC on the "Shared" section of the Finder window and deleted the old "sparsebundle" (I had no clue that anything had backed up way back at 3:30pm on Dec 29) and now I get a slightly new message: Time Machine Error: The backup disc image could not be created." So now the word "mounted" is replaced with "created." This error showed up a lot sooner than the original one. Ok, no clue. I am going to try to Change the Disc again, and try again. I will post another update.
Message was edited by: kryzma

Time Machine error- backup directory

Yet another person with the same error: Time Machine backup has been working just fine for about 2 months to a Time Capsule. Suddenly, all I get is "Time Machine Error. Unable to complete backup. An error occurred while creating the backup directory." No matter what I do, I get the same thing. I've done many of the things listed in other postings:
- turning time machine and laptop on and off (repeatedly!)
- clicking on the Change disk and re-choosing my Time Machine/capsule
- reinstalling the latest 10.5.3 update.
I don't know what else to do- I'd really rather not go nuclear and reinstall the whole dang computer. Help! Any other ideas (not cryptic, please, explain, for me and everyone else out there with this problem)?
Thanks

First make sure that the disk is still good. Use Disk Utility on it. Since I don't have a TC I'm not sure of the exact procedure. You may be able to do it over Ethernet.
If the top level directory checks out, then mount the sparseimage (fire up TM from the dock and then cancel out) and then use Disk Utility to Verify the disk image.
- gws

Time Machine Error: "The backup disk image could not be created." Help.

I have two Macbook Pro's. One is able to backup to the Time Capsule with no problems. The other connects just fine to Airport Utility, but I get the following error after I attempt to backup: Time Machine Error: "The backup disk image could not be created."
I have reset the Time Capsule several times, so that is not the fix.
The first thing I see when attempting to open Time Machine is the following message: :The storage location for Time Machine Backups can't be found." It gives me the option to setup the Time Capsule, which I select. The next thing I select is to Change Disk. The window that opens has the Icon with Three people on it. The name of that Icon is The Moreman Time Capsule. I select it, and enter the password I created. I then choose to Backup. Then I choose to backup now. That is when I get the error: Time Machine Error: "The backup disk image could not be created."
Any ideas? Has anyone encountered this problem?

You have to delete the .dmg file and start over. This happened to me 3 times already, I finally switched to Déjà Vu, works perfect and only once a day instead of 24 times a day.
http://propagandaprod.com/

HT3275 TIME MACHINE ERROR: The backup disk image "/Volumes/Data/Sean McGuire's MacBook Pro.sparsebundle" could not be created (error 1).

I can select a disk (Time Capsule) and initiate the backup. It only "waits to back up" then "making backup disk available" and remains frozen there. I tried to update the software a while back and was unsuccessful, I think that may be the issue.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. This is the error message I receive.
TIME MACHINE ERROR: The backup disk image “/Volumes/Data/Sean McGuire’s MacBook Pro.sparsebundle” could not be created (error 1).
Thanks

See #C17 in Pondini's excellent support document Time Machine - Troubleshooting
http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html

Time Machine error: backup disk image could not be created

Iet up my new time capsule day and it's working great. Now that I've got everything sorted out, I'm ready to do the initial time machine back up on it. I went into preferences, changed the backup location to my TC and clicked 'back up now'. Very quickly I get a message that the backup failed: "Time Machine Error - The backup disk image could not be created".
I've searched the apple support area but haven't been able to figure this one out. Can anyone help, please? This is an initial backup. (FYI, it worked great on my old external drive.)
Many thanks

I had the same problem. I installed my Time Capsule, fired up Time Machine and got an error that said "The backup is too large for the backup volume. The backup requires 436.8 GB but only 182.2GB are available."
Coincidently, these are the same sizes as the space used and the space available on my iMac's drive.
I looked in /Volumes and saw that the sparsebundle was being created on the local disk and not on the main disk. Trying to backup again gave me the "Time Machine error: backup disk image could not be created." message.
I poked around the forums, and found a post about the machine name setting in sharing. I decided to give it a look, and lo and behold, I did not have a machine name. So I gave my box a name, kicked off Time Machine again, and it worked.

Error run-time 429 ActiveX can't create the object Financial Reporting

Hi everybody,
I'm trying to run Financial Reporting 9.3.1 on my pc with Winodws Vista but as I launch the exe it shows me an error message:
Error run-time 429 ActiveX can't create the object
I know it works out with XP. Is there a problem with Vista? How can I fix it?
Thanks in advance
Giacomo

I cannot say this IS your problem, but some oddities I ran into installing the report client on my laptop in my current environment ....
#1 - Even though you type in your username and password in the Reports login box, it apparently uses the credentials of the logged on user.
#2 - The machine MUST be on the domain that is used for authentication or it flat out won't work (see item #1)
#3 - I ran into the ActiveX error once and apparently something did not register properly during the install. To fix it :
Run the batch file : %HYPERION_HOME%\BIPlus\install\bin\HRRunAnt.cmd
Where %HYPERION_HOME% is the main hyperion folder. (i.e. c:\hyperion )
After the script executes, reboot your machine. You MUST reboot.
Hope that helps.

I'm having trouble backing up my second macbook to a new time capsule. continue to get an error message -- "Time Machine Error. The backup disk image could not be created." Is there something I need to change in my time capsule or time machine?

I just set up a new time capsule. it worked fine on my first macbook. But now I cannot backup my second macbook. Getting "Time Machine Error" "The backup disk image could not be created." Do I need to change settings on my time capsule to allow the second computer, or do I need to change something on the computer to allow time machine to work right?

Try #C9 in Pondini's Time Machine Troublshooting
http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html

I am trying to update my time machine backup on time capsule, but time machine keeps trying to create an entirely new backup (evidenced by the 200GB backup size). How can I get time machine to modify my old backup rather than create a new one?

I am trying to update my time machine backup on time capsule, but time machine keeps trying to create an entirely new backup (evidenced by the 200GB backup size). How can I get time machine to modify my old backup rather than create a new one?

It must have found the old backup corrupt.. so you will more than likely have little choice. You can archive off the old backup if it is still useful.
You can also verify it. See A5 http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html
He also has some info on this problem. eg C13.

Can not create directory error while creating database

i am creating database using dbca in oel but when i try to do so i get an error saying can not create directory pawii
and pawii is the sid
actually oracle is installed on u01 and i am creating database in u02
but this error is not allowing me to create database but when i try to create database in uo1 the database installed successfully but this is not happening when i try to create database in another mount point u02

987018 wrote:
so finally i had solved the problem myself as people like rukbat are very unhelpful in nature here
all we had to do is we had to change the group of the folder to oracle and oinstall where we are going to create our new database :)Actually he tries to be quite helpful. But sometimes the help you need isn't the help you want.
"When you need me but do not want me, then I must stay. When you want me but no longer need me, then I have to go." (Nanny McPhee)

I have somehow compromised by Time Machine. Error Msg is "Time Machine.app can't be modified or deleted because it's required by Mac OsX. Would you please advise what I can do?

Hi All,
I have somehow compromised by Time Machine. Error Msg is "Time Machine.app can't be modified or deleted because it's required by Mac OsX. I wish to restore previously files that are on my external hard drive. I was doing just find a couple of days ago. Would you please advise me on what I can do to restore it's finctionality?
Yours feeling more than a bit stupid,
David

Click the Apple menu at the left end of your menubar. Select "About this Mac." You will get a window like this:
Your Mac OS version is indicates in the image by the upper red arrow. While you are there, please tell us what information you find for "Processor," where the lower red arrow is pointing.

Time Machine Error--Can't create directory

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for