mlstites

Q: Backup failed. Time machine couldn't back up to external drive

I Am unable to back up to my time machine exrernal drive. Went to disk utility. Capacity 2TB. 11.27 GB available. My iMac hard drive with 1.11 TB is using

675.22 GB. What do I do ?

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014), OS X Yosemite (10.10.3)

Posted on May 27, 2016 9:09 AM

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Q: Backup failed. Time machine couldn't back up to external drive

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  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax May 27, 2016 9:59 AM in response to mlstites
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    May 27, 2016 9:59 AM in response to mlstites

    Is your "time machine external drive" attached directly to your iMac or to an AirPort Extreme / Time Capsule? If the latter two, what is the exact model of either?

  • by mlstites,

    mlstites mlstites May 27, 2016 2:00 PM in response to Tesserax
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    May 27, 2016 2:00 PM in response to Tesserax

    The backup drive is plugged directly into iMac USB PORT

  • by mlstites,

    mlstites mlstites May 27, 2016 2:01 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (4 points)
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    May 27, 2016 2:01 PM in response to Tesserax

    MY Airport Exteme is blcking orange

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax May 27, 2016 3:33 PM in response to mlstites
    Level 9 (54,427 points)
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    May 27, 2016 3:33 PM in response to mlstites

    What exactly is the error message that you are getting when you try to perform Time Machine backups to this drive?

  • by Tesserax,Solvedanswer

    Tesserax Tesserax May 27, 2016 3:34 PM in response to mlstites
    Level 9 (54,427 points)
    Wireless
    May 27, 2016 3:34 PM in response to mlstites

    This is a completely different issue since you are not using the Extreme for Time Machine backups. I suggest that you start a new post.

     

    A persistent, flashing amber light indicates that any of the several potential conditions may require your attention:

    • The base station has not yet been configured because it is new, or the reset switch has been set.
    • You have selected a security configuration that is not recommended.
    • One of several other conditions, such as a disconnected Ethernet cable or invalid IP address has been detected.

      (ref: AirPort base stations: About AirPort base station status lights (LED)

     

    To find out why your base station's status LED is flashing amber:

    • Open AirPort Utility
    • Click on the AirPort base station
    • Look for a Status setting in the small window that appears. Note: Status only appears if there is an issue or notification.
    • Click on the small amber dot there and another window will open to explain what the "issue" might be.