time machine backup huge after replacing hard drive

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Level 1

14 points

time machine backup huge after replacing hard drive

After copying the entire folder Backups.backupdb to a new bigger drive and choosing this drive for Time Machine, TM starts a new backup of about the same size... 700 GB! Why?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Apr 26, 2021 1:22 AM

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Answer 1

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Jack-19

Level 8

45,700 points

Apr 26, 2021 1:40 AM in response to Stefano62

Hi Stefano62,

You CANNOT just "copy and paste" the backups folder! You need to Restore the old disk to the new disk using Disk Utility's Restore function.

Connect both disks, old and new.
Go to Disk Utility (Finder > Go > Utilities)
In Disk Utility, select “View” > “Show All Devices”.
Select the top level, non indented, NEW external 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
Click Erase
Now, select the disk you JUST erased.
Go to "Edit" (in the top menu bar) --> Restore, select the old disk for the "Restore from".
Let the process start. It will take a long time.

Cheers,

Jack

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Answer 2

Stefano62 Author

Level 1

14 points

Apr 26, 2021 2:01 AM in response to Jack-19

Thank you Jack! The restoring process is now running.

I have to say, I had found several articles and videos that simply said to copy the folder.

I hope this is my final attempt... :)

Cheers,

Stefano

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Answer 3

Stefano62 Author

Level 1

14 points

Apr 27, 2021 12:12 AM in response to Stefano62

Thank you again.

After about 20 hours of restoring, the new disk is working correctly.

Problem solved.

Cheers,

Stefano

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time machine backup huge after replacing hard drive

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