Time Machine suggestions for Apple

Need additional options to schedule the various types of activities. I don't need hourly snap shots. I wouldn't mind if the hourly snapshot ended in a few minutes. If the process to decide what to do in the snapshot takes more than 15 minutes....I don't need it. I'll settle for a 12 hr snap shot if I can schedule it to occur at night.
A backup now button would be useful. Doesn't make sense that I would have to play with the system clock to get it to do a snapshot now.

Hi speakerfritz,
You can submit Mac OS X feedback using this page.
Feedback pages for this and other products can be found here.
As for the requested feature, a 'Back Up Now' option is available from the pop-up menu when using Control-click on the Time Machine application icon in the dock.
Joerg

Similar Messages

My Time Machine Strategy for both iMac and MacBook...

1) Get 1TB external drive, format as HFS+ (including the Gizmodo hint about reformatting Fat32 drives properly by setting GUID Partition table)
2) Attach external drive to MacBook directly-run Time Machine overnight for initial full backup
3) Attach external drive to iMac directly-run Time Machine overnight for initial full backup
4) Attach external drive to my Mac Mini (running Leopard)-don't run Time Machine
5) Point the iMac and MacBook to the networked drive for future incremental Time Machine backups, by mounting the external drive permanently attached now to the Mac Mini as a shared drive.
This way, I get the tedious original backup thru direct connection-native Firewire speeds, then rely on the networked wired (iMac) and networked wireless (MacBook) connections for the incremental backups (which, given our usage, isn't that major on an hourly or daily basis)
Anyone tried something like this successfully?

If you have tried the fixes in Pondini's Time Machine Troublshooting, specifically #C12 and nothing helps, then it is time to let one of the genius types at an Apple Store take a look.
http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html
If you cannot take the Time Capsule to an Apple Store, contact Apple Support directly.
http://www.apple.com/support/contact/

How to select correct time machine backup for migration assistant

We have two MacBooks backing up to one Time Capsule using time machine: let's call them H and R.
I have had to reinstall Leopard on Macbook H and am now trying to restore using Migration Assistant.
Migration Assistant finds the Time Capsule and identifies that there are two Time Machine Backups, but doesn't give an option to select the one to use.
Whenever I click 'Continue' it does the 'Checking time machine backup' (for hours), then brings up the data to restore, but every time it comes up with the data and settings from Macbook R.
How can I tell Migration Assistant which Time Machine Backup I want to use?

Brilliant. That was it.
I used the other MacBook to run Disk Utility on my backup volume and repaired it: #A5 is bang on.
Then, Setup Assistant saw both backups and let me select the one I wanted. It's now transferring my stuff.
Very relieved and extremely grateful.
Your apple tips should come with every mac and time capsule.

Can I use a single external drive to maintain time machine backups for two Mac computers?

Hello
We have an older mac mini and macbook air. I have one Western Digital external USB drive. Can I use the same drive to hold and maintain time machine backups for both machines?
I already have the macbook air time-machined on the WD drive. I now want to backup the mac mini onto the same drive. Is it going to over write the time machine backup or is the software smart enough to maintain two separate files, partitions, whatever it does..?

It will maintain separate backups. Note that it's generally advisable to use separate drives for best practice backup, but yes, it will work for both computers, provided you have enough space (need generally 2-3 times the total used file space for both Macs).
Matt

Suggestions for Apple in dealing with icloud outages

The ongoing outage of icloud mail service to many of us, two days and counting as of Sept 12, 2012, prompts me to make some constructive suggestions for Apple.
Apple should find ways of letting customers know whether customer inability to access their icloud mail is something the customer can fix or whether it is a problem only Apple can fix.
As a starter, the popup windows that users see when icloud mail is unavailable should direct them to the web site where system status of icloud mail is shown, namely
http://www.apple.com/support/icloud/systemstatus/
Customers will be less likely to exhibit anger toward Apple if they are given some real information about why icloud mail is unavailable. This can be put on the system status web page above.
The staff on the floor at Apple Stores should know, and be willing to tell customers, that when their own ipads are having difficulty communicating because of a server problem, that this may also affect the service to customers.
Apple should consider gathering from clients of icloud mail some alternative email accounts that could be used to notify clients of outages.
Apple should acknowledge that people do rely on their icloud services and should find ways of using backup servers, much as hospitals have backup generators to supply electricity when municipal sources fail.

The ongoing outage of icloud mail service to many of us, two days and counting as of Sept 12, 2012, prompts me to make some constructive suggestions for Apple.
Apple should find ways of letting customers know whether customer inability to access their icloud mail is something the customer can fix or whether it is a problem only Apple can fix.
As a starter, the popup windows that users see when icloud mail is unavailable should direct them to the web site where system status of icloud mail is shown, namely
http://www.apple.com/support/icloud/systemstatus/
Customers will be less likely to exhibit anger toward Apple if they are given some real information about why icloud mail is unavailable. This can be put on the system status web page above.
The staff on the floor at Apple Stores should know, and be willing to tell customers, that when their own ipads are having difficulty communicating because of a server problem, that this may also affect the service to customers.
Apple should consider gathering from clients of icloud mail some alternative email accounts that could be used to notify clients of outages.
Apple should acknowledge that people do rely on their icloud services and should find ways of using backup servers, much as hospitals have backup generators to supply electricity when municipal sources fail.

I have a mid2009 MacBook Pro for which I have been using a USB WD HD for Time Machine. I'd like to get a wireless HD and start a new Time Machine backup for this Mac and retire the 5 year old WD drive. Can I start over?

I have a mid2009 MacBook Pro running Mavericks for which I have been using a USB WD HD for Time Machine. I'd like to get a wireless HD and start a new Time Machine backup for this Mac and retire the 5 year old WD drive. Can I start over?

no archive/ backup is perfect, HD clones can be set to make incremental additions, same as time machine however, though they are more time involved in doing so.
See the + and - of all data backup/ archives below and "spread it around".... or the "dont put your eggs all in one basket" philosophy.
Peace
Data Storage Platforms; their Drawbacks & Advantages
#1. Time Machine / Time Capsule
Drawbacks:
1. Time Machine is not bootable, if your internal drive fails, you cannot access files or boot from TM directly from the dead computer.
2. Time machine is controlled by complex software, and while you can delve into the TM backup database for specific file(s) extraction, this is not ideal or desirable.
3. Time machine can and does have the potential for many error codes in which data corruption can occur and your important backup files may not be saved correctly, at all, or even damaged. This extra link of failure in placing software between your data and its recovery is a point of risk and failure. A HD clone is not subject to these errors.
4. Time machine mirrors your internal HD, in which cases of data corruption, this corruption can immediately spread to the backup as the two are linked. TM is perpetually connected (or often) to your computer, and corruption spread to corruption, without isolation, which TM lacks (usually), migrating errors or corruption is either automatic or extremely easy to unwittingly do.
5. Time Machine does not keep endless copies of changed or deleted data, and you are often not notified when it deletes them; likewise you may accidently delete files off your computer and this accident is mirrored on TM.
6. Restoring from TM is quite time intensive.
7. TM is a backup and not a data archive, and therefore by definition a low-level security of vital/important data.
8. TM working premise is a “black box” backup of OS, APPS, settings, and vital data that nearly 100% of users never verify until an emergency hits or their computers internal SSD or HD that is corrupt or dead and this is an extremely bad working premise on vital data.
9. Given that data created and stored is growing exponentially, the fact that TM operates as a “store-it-all” backup nexus makes TM inherently incapable to easily backup massive amounts of data, nor is doing so a good idea.
10. TM working premise is a backup of a users system and active working data, and NOT massive amounts of static data, yet most users never take this into consideration, making TM a high-risk locus of data “bloat”.
11. In the case of Time Capsule, wifi data storage is a less than ideal premise given possible wireless data corruption.
12. TM like all HD-based data is subject to ferromagnetic and mechanical failure.
13. *Level-1 security of your vital data.
Advantages:
1. TM is very easy to use either in automatic mode or in 1-click backups.
2. TM is a perfect novice level simplex backup single-layer security save against internal HD failure or corruption.
3. TM can easily provide a seamless no-gap policy of active data that is often not easily capable in HD clones or HD archives (only if the user is lazy is making data saves).
#2. HD archives
Drawbacks:
1. Like all HD-based data is subject to ferromagnetic and mechanical failure.
2. Unless the user ritually copies working active data to HD external archives, then there is a time-gap of potential missing data; as such users must be proactive in archiving data that is being worked on or recently saved or created.
Advantages:
1. Fills the gap left in a week or 2-week-old HD clone, as an example.
2. Simplex no-software data storage that is isolated and autonomous from the computer (in most cases).
3. HD archives are the best idealized storage source for storing huge and multi-terabytes of data.
4. Best-idealized 1st platform redundancy for data protection.
5. *Perfect primary tier and level-2 security of your vital data.
#3. HD clones (see below for full advantages / drawbacks)
Drawbacks:
1. HD clones can be incrementally updated to hourly or daily, however this is time consuming and HD clones are, often, a week or more old, in which case data between today and the most fresh HD clone can and would be lost (however this gap is filled by use of HD archives listed above or by a TM backup).
2. Like all HD-based data is subject to ferromagnetic and mechanical failure.
Advantages:
1. HD clones are the best, quickest way to get back to 100% full operation in mere seconds.
2. Once a HD clone is created, the creation software (Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper) is no longer needed whatsoever, and unlike TM, which requires complex software for its operational transference of data, a HD clone is its own bootable entity.
3. HD clones are unconnected and isolated from recent corruption.
4. HD clones allow a “portable copy” of your computer that you can likewise connect to another same Mac and have all your APPS and data at hand, which is extremely useful.
5. Rather than, as many users do, thinking of a HD clone as a “complimentary backup” to the use of TM, a HD clone is superior to TM both in ease of returning to 100% quickly, and its autonomous nature; while each has its place, TM can and does fill the gap in, say, a 2 week old clone. As an analogy, the HD clone itself is the brick wall of protection, whereas TM can be thought of as the mortar, which will fill any cracks in data on a week, 2-week, or 1-month old HD clone.
6. Best-idealized 2nd platform redundancy for data protection, and 1st level for system restore of your computers internal HD. (Time machine being 2nd level for system restore of the computer’s internal HD).
7. *Level-2 security of your vital data.
HD cloning software options:
1. SuperDuper HD cloning software APP (free)
2. Carbon Copy Cloner APP (will copy the recovery partition as well)
3. Disk utility HD bootable clone.
#4. Online archives
Drawbacks:
1. Subject to server failure or due to non-payment of your hosting account, it can be suspended.
2. Subject, due to lack of security on your part, to being attacked and hacked/erased.
Advantages:
1. In case of house fire, etc. your data is safe.
2. In travels, and propagating files to friends and likewise, a mere link by email is all that is needed and no large media needs to be sent across the net.
3. Online archives are the perfect and best-idealized 3rd platform redundancy for data protection.
4. Supremely useful in data isolation from backups and local archives in being online and offsite for long-distance security in isolation.
5. *Level-1.5 security of your vital data.
#5. DVD professional archival media
Drawbacks:
1. DVD single-layer disks are limited to 4.7Gigabytes of data.
2. DVD media are, given rough handling, prone to scratches and light-degradation if not stored correctly.
Advantages:
1. Archival DVD professional blank media is rated for in excess of 100+ years.
2. DVD is not subject to mechanical breakdown.
3. DVD archival media is not subject to ferromagnetic degradation.
4. DVD archival media correctly sleeved and stored is currently a supreme storage method of archiving vital data.
5. DVD media is once written and therefore free of data corruption if the write is correct.
6. DVD media is the perfect ideal for “freezing” and isolating old copies of data for reference in case newer generations of data become corrupted and an older copy is needed to revert to.
7. Best-idealized 4th platform redundancy for data protection.
8. *Level-3 (highest) security of your vital data.
[*Level-4 data security under development as once-written metallic plates and synthetic sapphire and likewise ultra-long-term data storage]
#6. Cloud based storage
Drawbacks:
1. Cloud storage can only be quasi-possessed.
2. No genuine true security and privacy of data.
3. Should never be considered for vital data storage or especially long-term.
4. *Level-0 security of your vital data.
Advantages:
1. Quick, easy and cheap storage location for simplex files for transfer to keep on hand and yet off the computer.
2. Easy source for small-file data sharing.

Time Machine backup for old computer has been named for new computer

On my new Time Capsule, I backed up the entire disk from my older computer. While consulting with a live help technician for an unrelated problem, he had me reset the Time Capsule using the newer computer. To resume use of the Time Machine backup from my older computer, I had to gain permission . . . and subsequently discovered the reason why. Reseting with the new computer caused the backup volume to be renamed with the new computer's name.
Sooo, 1) how do I correct the naming error, and 2) will further confusion occur when I then go to back up the new computer?

It may or may not ask you to reformat the disk when you set it up as the backup for that new computer. If it does, I think you can cancel it.
What I would do is open Migration Assistant, then import your applications/documents/etc. onto the new computer, and then use the Time Machine disk for backup (formatting it if it asks you to).
You'll at least have recent files and stuff like that, which may not be as good as an incremental history but at least it's something.

Time Machine Background for my desktop or screen saver

How can I use the vortex time machine background for my desktop or screen saver background?
Thanks

Hello,
In short....you can't. You can use the static image as a wallpaper or slideshow ScreenSaver but you cannot use the "Vortex" engine for the animated Time Machine effects. It appears that the "Vortex" engine is part of the Resources for the Finder application itself as evidenced by the related files and images found in the Finder application Package. I don't know if anyone could create a "hack", utilizing the existing resources, to make a ScreenSaver file or not. I have zero experience with ScreenSavers. I just use them.
I know that there are interesting integer parameters in some of the "Vortex" files but I do not have the "bullocks" to experiment with them.
Sorry.....
pw

Time Machine "Looking for Backup Disk...." to Synology NAS

My time machine used to work well connected from my Macbook Pro (10.8.3) connected to my Synology NAS then suddenly stopped working a while ago.
I have finally got around to looking at it but cannot seem to get it to rework
I folloed all instructions on the http://pondini.org/TM/A4.html full reset option but without success.
I can view all the previous backups on the NAS by entering Time Machine but when trying to backup again now continually get "Looking for Backup Disk...."
Any ideas?

This happens when you backup to a non-apple device.. actually a TC in particular is the only apple supported network device for TM.
Did you try a reboot of the whole network.. and you can verify the backups .. see A5 in pondiini.
The same thing happens even on a USB drive plugged into an Airport Extreme. It can work fine for ages and then just suddenly refuses to connect.
See http://pondini.org/TM/Airport.html
Did this happen when you updated to 10.8.3.. does the date of the last backup correspond to the update? It would not surprise me if they did some little tweak that took out your non-authorised backup method.
Now I have not tried it but lots of these issues started with Lion when the security level in AFP was changed. Security for a file protocol is irrelevant on your local network so really only relevant to using BTMM and iCloud.. which was also introduced with Lion.. that is when everything went to pot.
I would look at the Synology as running better at the older level of security and making the adjustments required on your computer.
See http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4700
I have a NAS and I have the same issue happen a couple of times. I am still using Snow Leopard though so the above suggestion is not a cure all.. I think you just have to accept that Apple builds a walled garden.. if you try and step out of the garden.. anything over the wall.. can be expected to behave badly on occasions. Set up another folder on the synology and start a new TM backup. Or use CCC or superduper etc..

Problems with Time Machine backup for two machines to one external drive

I have a brand new WD 500GB USB My Book external drive plugged into my Intel Mac Mini running 10.5.1 to use as a TM backup drive (TM reformatted it to HFS+ journaled). The Mini's connected by ethernet to the Airport Extreme. It works great. I setup my wife's MacBook Pro 17" Dual Core 2 w. 10.5.1 for TM using the Mac Mini's TM backup drive and it works fine (a little slower at 811.n wi-fi speeds, but OK). I have the Mac Mini setup in Energy Saver to shut down at night and restart in the morning. The morning after I setup my wife's MacBook Pro for TM I found a big black & white message (in half a dozen languages) on the Mac Mini saying start up failed and I need to reboot using the power button. I did and everything was cool. Now comes the problem, it's done it three days in a row so it looks like there is a problem with the TM setup. It didn't do this before I setup my wife's computer for TM.
Any thoughts on what is causing this? We've had minimal problems with Leopard setup (short of a brief hunt for an Airport Extreme Drive and a couple of network printers during initial setup).

1 mistake @ a time wrote:
I works fine over a network if the TM drive is attached to another Mac running Leopard. It won't work with an Airport drive (Apple deep sixed that feature in the final release).
We have an Airport Extreme base station, and we plan to add an Airport Express to boost the power to reach the second floor. We are ordering 4 iMacs, 20", plus I have the Macbook 13" that I have had for a few months.
We thought we could connect one large external drive via firewire cable to one of the iMacs and use it to back up all five computers via Time Machine.
Is that possible, or does everybody need their own external drive?
Thanks!
susan

Removing Time Machine backups for (missing) external hard drive

My Time Machine was backing up everything, including external hard drives.
One of the external drives (ORIGDRIVE) started hardware failures. I added a new external drive (NEWDRIVE) and used Finder to copy files over (some via RAID and some from the Time Machine copy a month before the problems cropped up).
Then I ejected and unplugged ORIGDRIVE and shipped it back to the manufacturer.
The problem is that the Time Machine still has all those copies from ORIGDRIVE eating up disk space, but I want to keep a year's worth of monthlies for all the other drives (just in case another drive fails soon).
Since ORIGDRIVE is not mounted, Time Machine doesn't show me those files so I can use the "Delete All Backups of" option within the GUI.
If I try renaming NEWDRIVE to ORIGDRIVE, what I get instead is ORIGDRIVE 1 .
We're talking dozens of TB here, so reformatting the Time Machine volume and starting over maxes out the system and leaves me flying without a complete backup for most of a week, something I'd rather avoid.
Suggestions?

My Time Machine was backing up everything, including external hard drives.
One of the external drives (ORIGDRIVE) started hardware failures. I added a new external drive (NEWDRIVE) and used Finder to copy files over (some via RAID and some from the Time Machine copy a month before the problems cropped up).
Then I ejected and unplugged ORIGDRIVE and shipped it back to the manufacturer.
The problem is that the Time Machine still has all those copies from ORIGDRIVE eating up disk space, but I want to keep a year's worth of monthlies for all the other drives (just in case another drive fails soon).
Since ORIGDRIVE is not mounted, Time Machine doesn't show me those files so I can use the "Delete All Backups of" option within the GUI.
If I try renaming NEWDRIVE to ORIGDRIVE, what I get instead is ORIGDRIVE 1 .
We're talking dozens of TB here, so reformatting the Time Machine volume and starting over maxes out the system and leaves me flying without a complete backup for most of a week, something I'd rather avoid.
Suggestions?

Is there a software that works like Time Machine but for a PC

Hi I am a IT admin for a company in Atlanta, Ga. I use apple at the home and love it. I have several users at my company that can't seem to understand simple file structures. So they are constently deleting, moving and overwriting files on there system. A software like Time Machine would really help me out to recover thier mistakes. The only problem is that they work on windows XP systems. Is there a PC software out there that works like Time Machine?

After evaluating a number of backup software options for my corporate Dell d620 laptop (yes, unbelievably, my company doesn't offer an automatic backup of their users' machines!), I chose Second Copy for the following reasons:
1. Different backup profile options (e.g., I have one that automatically backs up to the local LAN on a schedule and at shut-down when I'm in my office, a profile for manual backup to an external HD, and another profile for manual backup to my 4 GB USB flash drive). You can even backup remotely and trigger an email to a specified recipient when a backup is complete.
2. The backup file structure is not proprietary or in a format differing from the original, thereby not requiring the original software to open the files and restore.
3. Only backs up changed data, making it very quick each time.
4. Simple to set up and use.
5. $29
When working from my home office, I will often run a backup on my flash drive or external HD, transfer it to my Mac, and work from the 24" glossy-screened glory in favor of my tiny washed out Windows laptop display.
I realize this doesn't quite approach the no-brainer flexibility of Time Machine, but with a bit of thought, you could get your users automatically backing up to various locations on varying schedules and accomplish the same thing (i.e., automatically back up every day to their primary local LAN, back up every week to a secondary off-site location, etc.). Effectively, you could have daily and weekly backups to restore from, somewhat similar to Time Machine.
Good luck!
B.

IWEB SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE

First, if Apple actually takes the time to read these Discussions, let me say, "Thanks!" I love Apple.
Second, I don't claim to be an expert, nor do I consider myself a uber-geek with incredible technical prowess.
I've just been playing around with iWeb, and have some suggestions for future updates, another 'Wish List' if you will;
1. The improvements to iPhoto are numerous and impressive, but iPhoto could use just a more photo tweaking in the realm of jpeg sizing. This would help integrate it with many iLife apps, especially iWeb.
2. GarageBand, likewise, also keeps getting better and better, but it too could use a little boost in the way it deals with file size and the overall affect on one's system. Just having the old 'go to GarageBand Help' popup gets a little frustrating. Optimizing should be more directly accessible in the user interface.
3. Creating easy access to, and integration of third party 'add ons' would be a really great way to deal with the current iWeb blogging limitations. Just as with many other blog systems, users could choose which various plug in enhancements they want on their iWeb blog.
If Apple made blog plug-ins easy to do, everybody would win. As with FireFox, for example, a community of iWeb enthusiasts could help develop and build iWeb into a super powerful app, via such user chosen add ons. Perhaps iWeb could be 'opened' up just a bit more, to let some more community light shine in?
That's just my two cents.
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong or just plain crazy, or post your own suggestions.
Thanks.
iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.4) iBook, Airport, Original iPod, Bondi Blue, what about you?

Make sure you send your iWeb comments directed at Apple to them via the iWeb > Provide iWeb Feedback menu item. Ideas for Garage Band and iPhoto are better posted in the forums and feedback channels devoted to those programs than here.

HT3231 time machine backup for migration

How do I use time machine for migration from a Macbook to Macbookair?

See 'Trnasfer info from a Time Machine backup ..." - scroll down a bit to see it here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH14245

Time Machine Problem with Apple Programs after Restore from A&I

Ok here is my situation. I originally did an Archive and Install before Installing Leopard. I was having performance issues with Photobooth and Time Machine. So, I decided to back everything up and do an Full Restore from Time Machine. I resotred from the Utility menu within the Leopard boot disc. However, after the restore ALL of my Apple programs were missing from Finder and the Dock. Including mail,itunes,photobooth,keynote etc..All iwork,ilife and everything else that came pre bundled. Now, I did an install of Leopard after the Restore (upgrade) and I got the basic apps back. My question now is where my other apps are hiding?? Are they somewhere within the previous system folder from the original Archive and Install?? (I havent been able to check because i'm now at work when the possibility dawned on me)
Does anyone know where these programs would be and how I can restore them?
Also, my prebundled software (Final Cut Express HD) that came pre bundled with My imac G5 originally is asking for a product serial number before it can launch. However, i never had a serial key for it.
Can someone please help and shed some light on this situation.

Additional Info:
Imac G5
1Gb Ram
Original Install was Archive and Install
Did Full Backup With Time Machine
Restore Under Utility in Leopard Boot Disc
All Apple programs were missing
Did an Upgrade>Install of Leopard after Restore and got back the basic Apps like mail, Garage Band, iTunes etc... However, all iLife was gone as well as Soundtrack and iwork 08...not to mention my Final Cut Express HD now wants a serial # that I do not have because it was pre installed originally with the iMac G5
Where did these programs go?
How do I get them to restore?
fyi-- My dock where the programs were located (in addition to Applications folder) just had a bunch of ? marks on it where the icons would usually be.
Is it a result of the Archive and Install and the Applications are in the previous system folder?
I cant figure it out because when I search for the programs in FInder all I find is files for the programs and cache files etc... But not the actual Application icon

Time Machine suggestions for Apple

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