Delete old Time Machine backup

Question

Delete old Time Machine backup

Unfortunately I'm not able to delete Old time machine backups from the Airport time capsule. I should have permission, but after a while trying to delete the file a message appear :

"The operation can’t be completed because some items had to be skipped. For each item, choose File > Get Info, make sure “Locked” is deselected, and then check the Sharing & Permissions section. When you are sure the items are unlocked and not designated as Read Only or No Access, try again."

Posted on Sep 23, 2020 3:06 AM

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Answer 1

Sep 23, 2020 6:02 AM in response to LaPastenague

I would like to say "I love you", but I'll go with "thank you very much"

Weird that from the graphic interface I can't do the same with the same permissions, but the good old terminal solve it all.

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Answer 2

Sep 23, 2020 4:01 AM in response to Sergio Longhi

Welcome to problematic operation of the Time Capsule.. where all power has been removed from the end user.

What OS are you running on the computer you are trying to delete the file? I am guessing it is not the same computer that owns the backup?

It should be possible to do the delete from command line using full access.

In terminal the command is

sudo rm -rf fileaddress/filename.

The easiest way to get the full folder address is simply drag it from finder.

To explain the command..

sudo (gives you full admin rights)

rm remove the files

-rf switches to force the removal without asking and whatever the file permissions.

Drag the folder from Finder straight to the terminal command. That will give you the file location and name.

Thence

sudo rm -rf /Volumes/Data/foldername

Press enter and you will be asked for password

Type in your user password for full access.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8082925?answerId=32741303022#32741303022

If you keep having issues.. post back.

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Delete old Time Machine backup

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