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PMACNYC Author

Level 1

4 points

Backup Disk doesn't have enough space error.

So I was using the same backup drive for Time Machine for years and it suddenly stopped working, saying that there isn't enough space on the 'Backup Disk'. I tried reformatting the backup disk via disk utility and erasing all the old backups, but its still giving me that same error.

Gear:

iMac 27" 2017

Lacie 2TB external hard drive

iMac, macOS 10.12

Posted on Mar 19, 2021 5:02 PM

Top-ranking reply

Jack-19

Level 8

46,062 points

Posted on Mar 19, 2021 5:13 PM

Hi PMACNYC,

Try erasing the entire disk, not just the volume.

Stop using the disk in System Preferences > Time Machine.
Go to Disk Utility (Finder > Go > Utilities)
In Disk Utility, select “View” > “Show All Devices”.
Select the top level, non indented, drive in the external section of Disk Utility.
Click Erase
Name: Any name you want
Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled) if macOS Catalina or earlier, APFS if Big Sur.
Scheme: GUID Partition Map
Click Erase
Setup Time Machine again.

Cheers,

Jack

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