How can we backup non-Mac external hard drives? I have a microSD 1TB card that is ExFAT, and need to back it up.

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How can we backup non-Mac external hard drives? I have a microSD 1TB card that is ExFAT, and need to back it up.

Time Machine depends on the MacOS 'File System Event Store' -- a list of what folders have changed recently. Non-Mac drives do not have that, and therefore Time Machine can not determine what needs to be backed up in a reasonable amount of time (less than about four hours). Non-Mac format drives are not supported by Time Machine. (Grant)

Is this still true for Big Sur? If so,

How does a PC do a backup then? Is the MAC able to simulate that process?

MacBook Air 11″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Apr 27, 2021 5:22 PM

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Answer 1

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kcotl Author

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Apr 27, 2021 5:31 PM in response to kcotl

sorry, trying to figure out how to delete this question. (it's not for High Sierra) It's for Big Sur on Notebook Air.

second question, how do you update or delete a question you post on this community page?

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Answer 2

Apr 27, 2021 6:18 PM in response to kcotl

Probably with Carbon Copy Cloner or another backup tool, or with your own script to back up the contents.

Or re-format the drive as HFS+ if the external device is not being transported, and use Time Machine.

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Answer 3

kcotl Author

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Apr 28, 2021 8:16 AM in response to BDAqua

thank you. I tried to update it immediately, but didn't see where/how that was available. So I posted again and tried to delete. It does seem like it's unnecessarily restrictive just to post a question. Sorry for the confusion.

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Answer 4

BDAqua

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Apr 27, 2021 6:01 PM in response to kcotl

You have 10 to 15 minutes to edit a post, but cannot remove it... for my money Apple has a terrible way of selecting where a post goes.

I'll ask it be relocated... good luck my friend. :)

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Answer 5

babowa

Level 9

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Apr 27, 2021 6:18 PM in response to kcotl

And please, do not post duplicates as it gets far too confusing for us to try and keep track of it.

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Answer 6

BDAqua

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240,977 points

Apr 28, 2021 8:20 AM in response to kcotl

No need to apologize really, I think any confusion is on Apple's side about the difference between clarity & lots of white space.

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Answer 7

kcotl Author

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May 1, 2021 2:46 PM in response to kcotl

I finally saw how to edit your post (in those 15 minutes). Next to the black "FOLLOW" box, there is a drop down arrow. While that arrow exists, it's still updatable.

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How can we backup non-Mac external hard drives? I have a microSD 1TB card that is ExFAT, and need to back it up.

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