When not to use Time Machine

Are there any situations where you would advise a Mac user (running a modern Mac) to not run Time Machine?

Every situation.
Everyone has their own opinion, but I personally find TM invasive, unreliable, and completely irrelevant to the way I work. I therefore completely disabled TM as soon as it was introduced as part of the Mac OS (along with Spotlight, Dashboard, and other things for which, in my life, there is no use whatever).
I personally do not need the 1,000,000 items on my hard drive to be continuously backed up by TM, on the off-chance that I might, very occasionally (say once a month or even less frequently ) need to track back to one particular item out of the million.
TM feels to me like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut; particularly since all the applications I use have their own Autosave and Undo features. So under normal circumstances I never need to go back to an earlier version of what I was doing and I can't envisage any situation in which I would need to do that. It simply never happens.
Much more useful and far more relevant to the way I operate is to make regular bootable clones using Carbon Copy Cloner.
I need a computer that does things the way I want, not the other way round.
What I like about the MacOS is that it comes with a bunch of tweaks and gimmicks, some of which I find useful and many of which I find useless, and that I can choose to use or not use.
Alas, some things that are vitally important for me in the OS were removed by Apple - such as having a one-click hierarchical navigation menu that allows me to read really long filenames, drilling down deep into my hard drive, without clicking anything else and without constantly resizing columns (especially when working on a small laptop screen). I had to find a third-party add-on to recover that functionality and save myself from a serious risk of RSI (repetitive strain injury).
No doubt some people find TM useful but I can't imagine what sort of computer user is constantly backtracking 50 times a day to an earlier version of something they were working on. That would drive me nuts. I would lose track of what page I'm supposed to be on or what it was I was looking for.
I'd actually forgotten that Time Machine exists until you asked the question. But I think I know why you asked it.

Similar Messages

Unexpected Error code -43 when trying to use Time Machine

I purchased my Macbook Pro in September. At the same time, I purchased a 500gb Seagate Free Agent Go external drive. I finally decided it was time to put it to use and got this message when I attempted to start my Time Machine - Operation Could Not Be Completed - Unexpected Error (code -43).
Any ideas what's up with this? Thanks for any input!

Lovin' Mac wrote:
I just came back to say that the purchase date was in 2009. And, I am unable to open the Time Machine program at all! That is the error I get when I open the program. I am thinking about re-installing Time Machine from my disk and see if that helps.
I don't think that's an app you can install that way.
But you can use the Pacifist app, from http://www.charlessoft.com/
If your Install disc isn't 10.5.8, you should then download and install the "combo" update, to apply the updated bits to it. Info and download available at: http://support.apple.com/downloads/MacOS_X_10_5_8_ComboUpdate
Be sure to do a +Repair Permissions+ via Disk Utility (in your Applications/Utilities folder) afterwards.
And, as far as my drive goes - The awesome Apple rep at Best Buy formatted it for me when I bought it!
Just to be sure, check that it's correct, per #C1 in the Time Machine - Troubleshooting *User Tip,* also at the top of this forum.

Errors when trying to use time machine backup

Here is the error I receive when trying to back up my computer with Time Machine. Is there any way to fix it without completely wiping the Time Capsule and starting over? My husband would love it if we could find a way since all of his back up information is on it too!

Here is the error that I am encountering:
The backup disk image “/Volumes/Data/**Name of Bundle**.sparsebundle” could not be accessed (error -1).

HT201250 When trying to use Time Machine to backup my computer . . .

There is only the word "None" with a red circle when I click Select Disk. Is there another way to denote the backup disk?

That means either you haven't connected a disk or the disk you have connected is cannot be used for backups.
That's probably because it is not formatted for Mac OS X, its full or you don't have permissions to access it.
If the disk is new and/or you know its empty, use Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.app to format it to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format.

Using time machine on MacBook Pro

I just bought a MacBook Pro and am not able to use time machine. The AppleCare wireless expert mentioned that I am not able use time machine because I am not hooked up to a hard drive. He also mentioned I would have to purchase time capsule in order to back up my work. Does anyone have any other more affordable suggestions to back up my work other than time capsule? Thanks

Apple is always going to suggest using an Apple Solution to backup you data. In order to use time machine you will need an external hard drive. You can purchase any drive you would like just make sure if you are plugging it directly in to your Mac that it has either USB 2.0 or Firewire 800 connections or both. When you first plug in the device your Mac will ask you if you would like to use the drive for backing up. Select yes and you will be good to go.
Good Luck.

Cannot back up using Time Machine - MacBook OS X 10.5.8

Hello there
I am having trouble backing up my files using Time Machine.
I was using an old external hard disk. When I started using Time Machine, I didn't know about partitioning it. It worked for about 2 years until around the February of this year. I kept getting the error message "Unable to complete backup. An error occurred while copying files to the backup volume." The advice on the Apple web page suggested only restarting the computer and trying again. This didn't work. I then read about partitioning the external hard disk. I tried that and I still had the same error message. I came to the conclusion that my external hard disk was just getting old and wasn't up to the job.
So today I bought a new external hard disk. I partitioned it and then tried again with Time Machine. And I had the exact same problem. With about 10GB to go on the back up, the same error message appeared.
What can I do to get Time Machine working again? Could it be a corrupt file? Any advice would be very welcome. I am very nervous that I currenlty have no back up.
Thanks.

Pondini, one of the high level users of these forums has compiled a great reference page for Time Machine. It includes this page which seems like it addresses your question.
Best of luck.

How can I restore my data from iCal? I didn't make any backup, but I use time machine with an external HD. I deleted iCal when I deleted my gmail account. I have tried to restore, but I can only restore the iCal software and not the data.

How can I restore my data from iCal? I didn't make any backup, but I use time machine with an external HD. I deleted iCal when I deleted my gmail account. I have tried to restore, but I can only restore the iCal software and not the data.

So what is your question?
If you forgot your encryption password:
Warning: Make sure it's a password you will remember or write it down for safekeeping. If you encrypt an iPhone backup in iTunes and forget your password, you can't restore from backup and your data will be unrecoverable.
If you can't remember the password and want to start again, you must perform a full software restore and chooseset up as a new device when iTunes prompts you to select the backup from which to restore.
The above comes from here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4946

I baught Seagate Backup plus 2T hard drive to use as my Backup time machine. But its not working when i connect to time machine its not coping files, it keep saying preparing files. Can someone help me please...

i baught Seagate Backup plus 2T hard drive to use as my Backup time machine. But its not working. when i connect to time machine its not coping files, it keep saying preparing files. Can someone help me please...

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you turn on the computer, and again when you log in.
Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a Fusion Drive or a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

I have backed my Mac Book pro up to my external hard drive using time machine. My iPhoto now does not show any images, even when I upload from my iPhone

I have backed my Mac Book pro up to my external hard drive using time machine. My iPhoto now does not show any images, even when I upload from my iPhone

Mac 101: File Sharing
Mac OS X 10.7 Help: Transfer files between two Mac computers
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How to share a Mac's files with a PC and vice versa.

MacBook Pro i5 with retina will not recognize WD Passport even though I successfully used it to transfer programs and files from my older MacBook ten days ago. It receives power from the USB, but when using Time Machine I receive the message that there is

MacBook Pro i5 with retina will not recognize WD Passport even though I successfully used it to transfer programs and files from my older MacBook ten days ago. It receives power from the USB, but when using Time Machine I receive the message that there is not an external device connected.

If the modem is also a router, either use the modem in bridge and run pppoe client on the TC.. that is assuming ADSL or similar eg vdsl. If it is cable service.. and the modem is a router, then bridge the TC.. go to internet page and select connect by ethernet and below that set connection sharing to bridge.
Please tell us more about the modem if the above gives you issues.

I recently took my imac in for a recall on the hard drive, they replaced my hard drive, i used time machine to restore all my files. Now when I turn time machine on it says back up failed not enough space, it is not overwriting old back ups.

I recently took my imac in for a recall on the hard drive, they replaced my hard drive, i used time machine to restore all my files. Now when I turn time machine on it says back up failed not enough space, it is not overwriting old back ups. Why? Please help

http://pondini.org/TM/FAQ.html

When using time machine with external hardrive to backup, some music items from iTunes and some photos from iPhoto do not transfer to backup hardrive. What am I ding wrong? Using latest version of mountain lion.

When I use time machine with my external harddrive to back up computer, some music from iTunes library, and some photos from iPhoto library are missing when I check backup disk. I am using latest version of mountain lion. Am I doing something wrong?

First, Time Machine doesn't completely back up the iPhoto library while iPhoto is running. Make sure you quit iPhoto after making any changes to allow a backup to take place.
This simple procedure will clear your Time Machine settings, including both overt and hidden exclusions. If you have a long exclusion list that can't be recreated easily, you may prefer a more complicated procedure that preserves the exclusion list. In that case, ask for instructions. Otherwise, do as follows.
Triple-click the line below to select it:
/Library/Preferences/com.apple.TimeMachine.plist
Right-click or control-click the highlighted line and select
Services ▹ Reveal
from the contextual menu. A Finder window should open with a file selected. Copy it to the Desktop. Then move it (the original, not the copy) to the Trash. You'll be prompted for your administrator password. Reboot, recreate your settings in the Time Machine preference pane, and run a backup to test. If TM now performs as expected, delete the file you copied to the Desktop.

When using Time Machine in Mac Mail, everything works fine but restored files do not appear in MM - On My Mac, and I cannot find them anywhere. Thanks

Time Machine Problem: Mac Mail. Cannot Find Restored Files in Mac Sidebar where they are supposed to go.
I am using Mountain Lion on my MacBook. I have successfully used Time Machine in the past, but I have incurred the following problem that I am requesting help on.
I am attempting to recover Sent and Inbox Mac Mail sent. I go through all the steps properly and locating what I want to recover, and after hitting Restore everything seems to be working and I get a message "Restoring 207 files". The guides say that then I am supposed to find the files in Mac Mail sidebar under ON MY MAC. But they are not there nor anywhere else I have looked. In other words, everything appears to be working fine except I cannot find the restored files.
Thank you for you help.
Jerry

Although you can restore messages from a Time Machine snapshot within the Mail application, it generally won't work with messages that were saved by an older version of Mail. In that case, you have to use an alternative method.
Triple-click the line below to select it:
~/Library/Mail/V2
Right-click or control-click the highlighted line and select
Services ▹ Reveal
from the contextual menu. A Finder window should open with a folder selected. Inside that folder are subfolders representing your Mail accounts. The names refer to the email addresses you use. Decide which ones you want to restore messages from.
Enter Time Machine and scroll back to the snapshot you want. Select the account folders you want and then selectRestore ... to... from the action menu (gear icon) in the toolbar of the snapshot window. Restore the folders to the Desktop, not to their original location.
From the Mail menu bar, select
File ▹ Import Mailboxes...
Import from the mailboxes in the folders you restored to the Desktop. The imported messages will appear in a new mailbox. Move the ones you want to keep wherever you like and delete the rest. Then delete the folders on the Desktop.

When backing up using the G Drive on using time machine my wife drops the icon into the trash icon on the loading dock. I told her this was not correct. Who is right? Thanks in Advance.

Folks,
I found my wife dropping the icon of her backup file into the trash icon on the dock. She had just completed using Time machine and when to uninstall the Gdrive. I told her this was an erroneous practice. She disagreed. Who is right?
Thanks in advance.

http://www.g-technology.com/kbase/files/G-RAID-Manual-Unmount.pdf
Hope this helps.

Can I recover lost files when not using Time Machine?

Hi,
I have just discovered that I apparently accidentally erased a word file which I very much would like to recover.
I know the original file name, but I am not using Time machine (about time to get a time capsule, I guess).
Are there any means of finding my file? It seems to have disappeared from the waste bin, as well!
Kind regards
Willi Sletten

You would have to buy a file recovery utility, and hope that the file's location on the hard drive had not been written over yet. If it has been written over, it's gone for good. If you plan on doing this, you need to shut your machine down now and don't turn it on again until you've got the file recovery utility in-hand.
Sorry, i can't recommend a utility... I've never needed one. Your inclination to start using Time Machine (or some backup) is correct, since good backups are why I've never needed one.

When not to use Time Machine

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