backup using hard drive or Time Machine

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Level 1

8 points

backup using hard drive or Time Machine

Hello,

This question actually extends from a post I made recently in which I was advised to reinstall my OS. Unfortunately I had a follow-up question but the tech who was helping me started ignoring me for some reason. Sometimes additional clarification is needed. Not all of us are tech wizards or we wouldn't have to ask anyone. I hope if anyone responds to this they are a little more understanding and tolerant. Are all Apple help support agents like this?

Anyway, because of a problem with my History disappearing when I scroll down from it the previous tech had me create a new administrator account to test if it happened there also. It didn't, suggesting that the issue was unique to my regular account. I had the option of changing everything over to a new account or reinstalling the OS. Of course I want to try reinstalling first. The instructions advised backing up my Mac first with Time Machine which requires an external hard drive. I followed the instructions up to the point where it said it wanted to first erase the external hard drive and this is where I, a non tech-oriented person, am confused. If I already have an external drive should I allow it to be erased? Should I maybe use a third drive to do this? I asked the tech but got ignored. So, with apologies for not being tech-savvy, is there anyone here who could be patient enough to explain this? I would be most appreciative.

Mac mini, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 11, 2021 3:43 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

D.I. Johnson

Level 7

33,347 points

Nov 11, 2021 4:08 PM in response to goodwill67

Just so you know, the "techs" here in the community are users just like yourself who volunteer their time as they can to help other users work through their technology problems. I'm sure you aren't being ignored, probably the other user was unable to continue to assist beyond the time they had already spent online.

So at this time you have an external drive that you'd like to use for a Time Machine backup. It's best to have an external drive that you will dedicate to the TM backup process. If the drive you now have will be that drive, then yes, it is also recommended that you erase and reformat it so that TM can begin with a fresh slate. BUT…if you have data on that drive that you want/need to keep, then of course you do not want to erase that drive and yes, it will be necessary to obtain another external drive that you will dedicate to TM backups.

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Answer 2

goodwill67 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 11, 2021 4:13 PM in response to D.I. Johnson

Thank You. I stand corrected about the "techs". I thought they were paid people. And thank you for the explanation. I became concerned as the whether or not I explained it properly but you response indicates that my question was understood. Much appreciated.

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Answer 3

goodwill67 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 12, 2021 1:21 PM in response to D.I. Johnson

Actually, if you get this, with all this talk about backups and all I am thinking of getting some kind of small laptop to use for regular internet searching and email in the event I should have to part with my esktop for repairs or something. No bells and whistles. I don't want to spend a huge amount of money since I really do prefer the desktop Mac mini. I googled around a bit but that often just results in more confusion. If you have a suggest please don't hesitate to pass it along. MANY THANKS.

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Answer 4

steve626

Level 6

13,857 points

Nov 12, 2021 8:21 PM in response to goodwill67

This is the "low end" Mac laptop now:

https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/specs/

It's actually a pretty capable computer, especially if all you use it for is email and web browsing. But the "danger" here is that if you get it, you might end up liking it better than your Mac Mini. The MacBook Air can even use your existing monitor (plus its own built in screen at the same time for more screen real estate).

If you want something really inexpensive (with corresponding less functionality), you could get a Chromebook or a low end PC laptop for less than $500:

https://www.pcmag.com/lists/best-laptops?gclid=CjwKCAiAvriMBhAuEiwA8Cs5lUzS8zpEVBokNPNaZrRtoIbWYEMhV0IAP6yifQHAZKSYs3F-xoAPxBoCJD0QAvD_BwE

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Answer 5

Nov 11, 2021 4:50 PM in response to goodwill67

You're welcome. Happy to help.

Please post again if you find you need additional guidance. 🙂

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Answer 6

goodwill67 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 13, 2021 4:06 AM in response to steve626

THANKS! Someone I know also suggested considering an iPad with a keyboard connected.

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backup using hard drive or Time Machine

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