Time Machine Backup

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avalanche88 Author

Level 1

15 points

Time Machine Backup

Hi there.

I have a MBP with 16 GB and 1 TB SSD.

Running Mojave (very very very smooth, not even a single hiccup - and I still need iTunes for now).

Mojave is the 4th macOS - came from High Sierra, before that Sierra, El Capitan and Yosemite.

Question is: suppose I’d never use Time Machine and never had backed up my machine.

And suppose I’ll do it now.

Got an external 2TB HDD and will perform a TM back up for the first time. What will I get?

I mean, I won’t get Yosemite or El Capitan back, but will I have Mojave the way it is today?

Will I get a “copy” of my MBP as it is today or is there anything I’m missing?

Thanks a lot.

Cheers.

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jul 10, 2021 1:42 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Axel Foley

Level 10

150,990 points

Jul 11, 2021 2:29 AM in response to avalanche88

When you backup your MacBook Pro with Time Machine then your MacBook Pro will be backed up with the data of its current state (as it is at the time of the backup). Here is what to expect when you ➔ Back up your Mac with Time Machine. Hope this information helps.

Axel F.

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Answer 2

Jul 11, 2021 8:53 AM in response to avalanche88

There is a checkbox that says whether the backup should include the current MacOS or not. It is completely up to you.

When you go to restore, you need NOT restore MacOS. You can brute force restore everything including MacOS, or you can selectively restore your files using Setup Assistant or Migration Assistant. This is how you can bring along your files to a newer or older version of MacOS already installed:

.

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Answer 3

avalanche88 Author

Level 1

15 points

Jul 11, 2021 8:14 AM in response to Axel Foley

Hi Axel, thanks for your time.

Quick question: when you perform a TM backup for the first time, does it copy the actual macOS as well?

Let’s say my MBP SSD is gone. Finished. Then I get a new one. Plug the external HDD and restore everything to the new MBP SSD.

What happens? Does it restore macOS and all the files?

Or do I need to reinstall the macOS separately and then perform the TM backup?

Thanks again.

Cheers.

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Answer 4

avalanche88 Author

Level 1

15 points

Jul 11, 2021 3:01 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks a lot.

That’s what I wanted to know.

Have a great week.

Cheers

M.

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Time Machine Backup

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