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User profile for user: Maryann108
Maryann108 Author
User level: Level 1
28 points

My Time Machine will not backup

My time machine will not backup but I must explain the reason it will not backup.  


For sometime now, I have been working on: 

“How to Setup and Use an External SSD as a Startup Disk on a Desktop Mac” found on this site.


I have been taking it one step at a time, Things have progressed slowly because it has taken time for me to absorb instructions, and many times to ask for help.  I am 83 years old.


Two weeks ago I took a big sigh of relief.  I was almost at the end.

Unfortunately, two weeks later, here I am, still at that same point.  I can’t seem to progress and now I feel panicked.


I am almost finished with How to Setup and Use an External SSD as a Startup Disk on a Desktop Mac. 

I finished the instruction near the end “Install MacOS”


I thought I renamed my hard drive “Old Macintosh HD 1”

I thought I renamed my external SSD “Macintosh HD 1”

I use the word “thought” because my time machine has not worked since I did this. 

I am trying to do my very first backup on my new SSD.


PLUS a Time Machine note on my desktop refers to “Macintosh HD - Data” and I have no idea where that came from.


Can someone please help me?


[Link Edited by Moderator]


Posted on Feb 19, 2022 7:48 AM

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User profile for user: ku4hx
ku4hx
User level: Level 7
23,592 points

Posted on Feb 19, 2022 1:03 PM

All you need to do is format the drive, attach it to the computer and then open Time Machine and select the drive. TM will take care of the whole process. You can rename the TM drive if you wish to a more meaningful name, but that's not required. I have two per machine so mine are TimeMachine 1 and TimeMachine 2


There is no need to rename anything, especially your internal drives. Don't do anything to them.


The "Macintosh HD - Data" is your data drive. "Macintosh HD" is your system drive.


If by changing things you've rendered your Mac unusable, the simplest fix may be to reinstall the OS. Do it via the Recovery Panel and your data, apps, settings will not be disturbed.


This is all quite simple and straight forward. I'm 76 by the way, but you may need someone more versed in your Mac's operation. I strongly advise this.


How to restore your OS: How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

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User profile for user: ku4hx
ku4hx
User level: Level 7
23,592 points

Feb 19, 2022 1:03 PM in response to Maryann108

All you need to do is format the drive, attach it to the computer and then open Time Machine and select the drive. TM will take care of the whole process. You can rename the TM drive if you wish to a more meaningful name, but that's not required. I have two per machine so mine are TimeMachine 1 and TimeMachine 2


There is no need to rename anything, especially your internal drives. Don't do anything to them.


The "Macintosh HD - Data" is your data drive. "Macintosh HD" is your system drive.


If by changing things you've rendered your Mac unusable, the simplest fix may be to reinstall the OS. Do it via the Recovery Panel and your data, apps, settings will not be disturbed.


This is all quite simple and straight forward. I'm 76 by the way, but you may need someone more versed in your Mac's operation. I strongly advise this.


How to restore your OS: How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

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My Time Machine will not backup

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