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Time Machine backup

Can I use the WD My Passport Air I bought a few years ago to do Time Machine backups of my old MacBook Air to now back up a different laptop -- i.e. my 2018 MacBook Pro? When I tried this for the first time, I was asked if I want to "Claim Existing Backups" or "Start New Backup." What's the right answer?

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Sep 19, 2021 1:15 PM

Top-ranking reply

Encryptor5000

Level 5

7,580 points

Posted on Sep 19, 2021 3:12 PM

Hi ATJ_Voices_MCJ,

If you're fine with deleting the previous backups, choose "Start New Backup".

If you want to preserve the previous backups:

If you already transferred all of the backup contents onto your new MacBook Pro, select "Claim Existing Backups".

If you're starting fresh on your new MacBook Pro, but want to preserve the previous backups, let me know. Do NOT choose to claim the existing backups.

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Time Machine backup

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