I have Time Machine backup files on an external drive - going back a few years. When I hook this up to a new laptop (MacBook Pro 2020, OS 11.1), all I see are the (new) backups from the date I setup the new laptop. Where are my old backup files?
(At the same time when I hook up the drive to my old laptop all the Time Machine backup files are still visible.)
cint21 wrote:
I have Time Machine backup files on an external drive - going back a few years. When I hook this up to a new laptop (MacBook Pro 2020, OS 11.1), all I see are the (new) backups from the date I setup the new laptop. Where are my old backup files?
(At the same time when I hook up the drive to my old laptop all the Time Machine backup files are still visible.)
Hold the Option key and see if you can select >Browse Other BackUp Disk
If you get a replacement Mac, you probably want the Inherit or Reuse option.
If you get an additional Mac, you probably want the Create New Backup option.
If your new Mac inherits your backup history - Apple Support
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/if-your-new-mac-inherits-your-backup-history-mh35732/mac
If your new Mac inherits your backup history
You can move the backup history from one Mac to another, but after the new Mac “inherits” the backup history, you can’t use the backup history on the original Mac.
You can try—enter TM and then use the keys Shift Command C This will bring upfront your main drive. You can now scroll back in time. Once you get where you want you can then open the drive and scroll down to your user library and then documents, downloads, etc. and find the item you want. Then copy to desktop and use or move from there. ref: How to access Time Machine files from previous OS install?
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5579823
If you need to create a new backup from Mac—
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/if-you-need-to-create-a-new-backup-mh34042/11.0/mac/11.0
cint21 wrote:
I have Time Machine backup files on an external drive - going back a few years. When I hook this up to a new laptop (MacBook Pro 2020, OS 11.1), all I see are the (new) backups from the date I setup the new laptop. Where are my old backup files?
(At the same time when I hook up the drive to my old laptop all the Time Machine backup files are still visible.)
Hold the Option key and see if you can select >Browse Other BackUp Disk
If you get a replacement Mac, you probably want the Inherit or Reuse option.
If you get an additional Mac, you probably want the Create New Backup option.
If your new Mac inherits your backup history - Apple Support
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/if-your-new-mac-inherits-your-backup-history-mh35732/mac
If your new Mac inherits your backup history
You can move the backup history from one Mac to another, but after the new Mac “inherits” the backup history, you can’t use the backup history on the original Mac.
You can try—enter TM and then use the keys Shift Command C This will bring upfront your main drive. You can now scroll back in time. Once you get where you want you can then open the drive and scroll down to your user library and then documents, downloads, etc. and find the item you want. Then copy to desktop and use or move from there. ref: How to access Time Machine files from previous OS install?
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5579823
If you need to create a new backup from Mac—
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/if-you-need-to-create-a-new-backup-mh34042/11.0/mac/11.0
Where are my Time Machine backup files?
