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For El Capitan: HOW to backup AND restore all mail and iTunes files in as less steps as possible?

For El Capitan: HOW to backup AND restore all mail and iTunes files in as less steps as possible?

i.e. are backups of "UserName>Library/iTunes" and

"UserName>Library>Application Support>Apple>Mail" enough?

Or do I need to backup other folders as well?

Mac mini, OS X 10.11

Posted on Dec 25, 2021 3:37 PM

Reply
7 replies

Dec 26, 2021 6:56 AM in response to DLWorldCitizen

El Capitan was released September 30, 2015.


In good conscience, am unable to validate the above method issued by the Users will perform as expected.


I can only Validate the previous offered suggestions will perform as expected.


It would appear the user has, possibly, overlooked the benefits of Time Machine Backup over the past 6 years.


That, or, the personal data has not been considered as important enough to protect against Natural Disasters or Mechanical

Failures of the computer.


Good computer practices involves a Rescue Plan.


Do you have a Rescue Plan In-Place. This comprises having 3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 Off Site incase of Theft, Loss or Natural Disasters. A Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS


For addition purposes - two Tested Bootable Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance incase the upgrades goes sideways. At least one Tested Clone and / or Time Machine Backup should be Off - Site

Dec 26, 2021 3:49 AM in response to DLWorldCitizen

Thank you but Time Machine takes up far too much space, that's why I use EXTERNAL backups and NO, I do not want iCloud either.

It's far too cumbersome to write down ALL REASONS why I need to be able to backup iTunes and Mail separately… preferably as asked for.

If it is not possible what I asked for, please tell me.

Thank you and have a good '21 ending and a marvellous beginning of '22.

Dec 26, 2021 4:14 AM in response to DLWorldCitizen

Question presented " For El Capitan: HOW to backup AND restore all mail and iTunes files in as less steps as possible? "


In the context of the original question - that was answered.


Or


Manually Drag and Drop all the Categories used in iTunes to the destination drive. For emails - Export all the e-mail contained in Apple Mail to External Drive


Dec 26, 2021 4:42 AM in response to PRP_53

Dear P. Phillips,

I do not have your knowledge nor your experience, so is it possible to be more explicit?

Is what I wrote enough? I.e. the content of

"UserName>Library/iTunes" and

"UserName>Library>Application Support>Apple>Mail"?

If not, can you explain me what is meant by

1) all the Categories used in iTunes

and

2) for mail I need also all the folders, not just the mails, that's why I though "UserName>Library>Application Support>Apple>Mail" was enough. I'm I wrong?

Thank you for your time and answers,

Danny (from Belgium)


Dec 26, 2021 11:50 AM in response to PRP_53

What's the use of Time Machine if you've only one hard disk? If the had disk is badly broken, that option is worthless.

For me need a weekly or even monthly FULL backup is PERFECT for my needs… and I do this since 1984. That backup is indeed stored off-site and switched with an other ext. HD also offside.

Have a good week, nice end-of-year and fresh new start!

For El Capitan: HOW to backup AND restore all mail and iTunes files in as less steps as possible?

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