ChemicalJehuty

Q: Time machine does not show backups

Hey,

 

I decided that - since my Macbook is equipped with a 1,25TB Fusion Drive - I need to clean things up a bit. So I made a Time machine backup to save all my data and then after setting up the Mac all new, I wanted to restore only the data I really need to avoid carrying all the stuff I don't need anymore with me.

 

So far, so good. Setting up the Mac again worked all fine - but when I open Time machine now with my external HDD that packs the backed-up data, it does not show any backups exept the "latest". Since the "latest" is my all new set-up system, it does not help.

I can however access the backup data via the Finder, where I see all the backups as folders - that way I could easily and luckily restore my Lightroom library, for example. But I also want to restore my version of iPhoto. Just copying iPhoto from the Programs folder does not work.

 

So, what did I do wrong? I really don't want to restore all of my old cluttered system again. Is there any way to bring Time machine to show the backups I did over the last months? The Time machine backups are on a 4TB external HDD, if that matters.

 

Thank you so much in advance

Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Aug 25, 2016 2:46 AM

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Q: Time machine does not show backups

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  • by becky_s22,

    becky_s22 becky_s22 Aug 25, 2016 3:31 PM in response to ChemicalJehuty
    Community Specialists
    Aug 25, 2016 3:31 PM in response to ChemicalJehuty

    Hello ChemicalJehuty, 

     

    Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. 

     

    I see that you would like to have Time Machine show backups that you did over the last few months. I know that it is nice to be able to restore only the files and apps that you need. I'm happy to assist you with this. 

     

    Use the article Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac, specifically, this section to restore specific files:

     

    Restore from a Time Machine backup

    Restore specific files:

    1. Choose Enter Time Machine from the Time Machine menu Time Machine icon, or click Time Machine in the Dock.
    2. Find the files to restore: 
         
      • Use the timeline on the edge of the screen to see the files in your Time Machine backup as they were at that date and time. The timeline may also include local snapshots.
      •  
      • Use the onscreen up and down arrows to jump to the last time the contents of the window changed. You can also use the search field in a window to find a file, then move through time while focused on changes to that file.
      •  
      • Select a file and press Space Bar to preview the file and make sure it's the one you want. 
    3. Click Restore to restore the selected file, or Control-click the file for other options.

     

    You will want to make sure that you are restoring the iPhoto Library file, as well as the iPhoto app. 

     

    Best Regards. 

  • by ChemicalJehuty,

    ChemicalJehuty ChemicalJehuty Aug 26, 2016 11:12 AM in response to becky_s22
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 26, 2016 11:12 AM in response to becky_s22

    The problem is that when I enter Time Machine, all the backups aren't there. I can't use the up and down arrow keys to scroll since there aren't any backups visible. Anyhow, when I enter the backup HDD I can select single files and manually copy them. That won't do me any good when I want to restore iPhoto or Parallels or basically any other program.

    So how can I tell Time Machine to show me the backups from the backup hard drive?

  • by Eric Root,

    Eric Root Eric Root Aug 26, 2016 1:37 PM in response to ChemicalJehuty
    Level 9 (70,035 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 26, 2016 1:37 PM in response to ChemicalJehuty

    While in Time Machine, to see all mounted volumes shift - command - c.    Information learned from Linc Davis.