Get Time Machine to fully recognize past database

James6M,

Thank you for replying back with the updated information around what you’re seeing when transferring Time Machine Backups from one backup disk to another.

We understand that you have successfully completed the steps in that resource up until turning on Time Machine.

The “Oldest Backup” and “Latest Backup” fields would not have information available until Time Machine is turned on.

After verifying the new disk is selected, the next steps would be turning on Time Machine: Back up your Mac with Time Machine

Have a great day!

Hold down the Option key and select "Browse Other Disks…" from the Time Machine menu.  Then select the same disk.  See if that won't let you go use the earlier backups.

Hi there James6M,

Thank you for choosing Apple Support Communities!

It sounds as though you’re looking to move Time Machine backups from one backup disk to another. You’re in the right place, we’d be glad to assist in seeking a solution.

Below is a resource that can help:

Transfer Time Machine backups from one backup disk to another

This resource provides great information and steps that can be used to transfer Time Machine backups between disks.

We hope this helps,

Cheers!

James6M wrote:

However, after 6 weeks of debugging, I am now effectively in the position of having completed the process on that page, and I am at the very last step. I have "selected the new disk in Time Machine preferences," and I have confirmed that my "old backups [are] available from the new disk." However, the "Oldest backup" and "Latest backup" listed in Time Machine preferences do not reflect my old backup dates. I fear to turn on Time Machine, because after all the other failures, I am not confident that doing so will not screw up what is already on the disk.

Can you confirm that it is normal for the "Oldest backup" and "Latest backup" fields to read "None" until Time Machine is turned on again?

All you can do is turn it on and see where you stand.

Time Machine is great when it works, not so much when it does not.

If you value your user data, you should never put yourself in a situation to have to fret over a single backup failure.

Do not wait for a catastrophic failure before you you realize the value in a robust 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