Can you delete large files within Time Machine?

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Level 1

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Can you delete large files within Time Machine?

When I set up Time Machine I forgot to exclude several folders containing huge files that change constantly. As a result my 3 TB drive has run out of room. I don't need copies of the huge files I forgot to exclude as I have them backed up on other external drives. Can I just delete them within Time Machine to regain the room they are taking up? If not should I just reformat the Time Machine drive and start over? The only files I really need from the Time Machine backup I have backed up both in Super Duper and ChronoSync Express so it wouldn't represent much of a loss.

Thanks!

Posted on Apr 24, 2020 12:51 PM

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Answer 1

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WhatMeWorry? Author

Level 1

14 points

Apr 24, 2020 9:39 PM in response to a brody

Thanks for the info! It turned out that the backup drive wasn't full after all. I ran Disk Utility First Aid and it found numerous errors and fixed them and now Time Machine appears to be operating OK!

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Answer 2

Kappy

Level 10

361,879 points

Apr 24, 2020 1:10 PM in response to WhatMeWorry?

I'm not a Time Machine user but I think if you add those items to your Exclude list in Time Machine Preferences, then that might get them removed. Otherwise, use the Time Machine application to find the files and delete them. Be sure you have already excluded them or removed them from the source. Otherwise, Time Machine will just back them up again.

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Answer 3

a brody

Level 10

84,169 points

Apr 24, 2020 1:10 PM in response to WhatMeWorry?

When you turn off Time Machine in the system preferences you can manage the folders directly that store the various backups.

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Can you delete large files within Time Machine?

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