Using Time Machine: When I click on SELECT DISK new window appears with two icons indicating external HDs to choose for computer back-up. These icons both have the same identical name. What's going on? Which one should I choose?

Using Time Machine: In the Time Machine app window it asks to Select Disk - I click on Select Disk - new window appears with two icons indicating external HDs to choose for computer back-up. These icons both have the same identical name. What's going on? Which one should I choose? In the meantime the Time Machine window shows activity/progress type bar that's labeled Preparing to backup... - what does this mean and long does it take to complete Preparing to backup...?

iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 10.13

Posted on Mar 13, 2021 12:03 PM

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1 reply

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,385 points

Mar 13, 2021 12:58 PM in response to Rick Myerchalk

Showing the same disk is normal. One is used for present TM backup and the other is just a redundant indication of same disk. If you have a TM that is preparing backup you are all set. It may take quite a while preparing especially if it is a drive that already has a backup on it.

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Using Time Machine: When I click on SELECT DISK new window appears with two icons indicating external HDs to choose for computer back-up. These icons both have the same identical name. What's going on? Which one should I choose?

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