If you interrupt / stop "emptying the bin" do the files already deleted stay deleted?

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Level 1

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If you interrupt / stop "emptying the bin" do the files already deleted stay deleted?

I am deleting the old Time Machine back up files from an external hard drive that is full. I no longer need them, as they are backups from a previous MacBook. The number of files runs into millions. The drive is connected to my MacBook via USB. Because of the number of files and the need to move my MacBook between home and work every day, there is never a long enough session to empty all the files from bin / trash in one go. So I stop the "emptying the bin" process and start again next time. What I can't find out, is whether by stopping emptying the bin I am cancelling the deletion of the files already deleted, or whether they stay deleted. In other words, I don't know whether I am actually making any progress towards emptying the bin or just starting again at the beginning each time. Help!

Or would I be better just to reformat the disk and start again?

MacBook Air 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on Feb 27, 2020 12:59 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

leroydouglas

Community+ 2024

Level 10

184,080 points

Feb 27, 2020 5:11 AM in response to EdmundH

You are asking for nothing but troubles trying to micro-manage Time Machine backups.

It is best left to manage itself:

Manually deleting files can corrupt the backup— the resolve is reformatting the drive

Manually deleting files can get stuck in your Trashcan — the resolve is reformatting the drive

If you need a larger backup dirve, buy one to add to your backup plan.

3-2-1 Backup Strategy: three copies of your data, two different methods, and one offsite.

Boot clone https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-10081

How to use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250

Use DiskUtility Restore feature https://support.apple.com/guide/disk-utility/restore-a-disk-dskutl14062/mac

note:

>System Preferences>Security & Privacy >Privacy>Full Disk Access

unlock the padlock, press the + button and add Disk Utility

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Answer 2

macjack

Level 10

111,180 points

Feb 27, 2020 5:24 AM in response to EdmundH

If you attempt to delete Time Machine files via Finder they will always get stuck in the Trash. You will notice that if you disconnect your external drive, they will no longer be in the Trash but uf you then reconnect it they will reappear in the Trash. That's because they are in the Trash of your external drive. The best and fastest solution is to erase the external drive and start over.

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If you interrupt / stop "emptying the bin" do the files already deleted stay deleted?

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