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I'm on Monterey 12.2.1. When I try to backup on Time Machine, I get this message no matter which backup disk I use: "Time Machine did not finish backing up because some files were unavailable. Backups will resume when your Mac is unlocked."

What does it mean? What should I do? I'm not aware of anything locked on my Mac. Thanks for enlightening me.

MacBook Air (2020 or later)

Posted on Feb 27, 2022 12:56 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 27, 2022 5:04 AM

If you can't back up or restore your Mac using Time Machine




1 - Suggest restarting in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts. The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal.


2 - Does the issue present in this mode ?


3 - If not - there could be something in the main User Account playing up. To further isolate this - Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac. Then log out of the Main User account and log into the dummy account and test again if the issue persists.


4 - If the issue is present in the dummy account - then this appears to be a System Wide issue.


5 - Suggest downloading the Application Etrecheck directly from a well Respected ASC Contributor. And Safe to use.


The application is free or paid from added features. 


Run the application with Full Disc Access ( Security & Privacy - Full Disc Access ).



It will take a Snap Shot -  both the hardware and software.


 The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 


Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last )


We can have a look at the report for possible issues and may have possible suggestions to resolve the issues.


Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS, alter, modify, remove or delete or attempt to do so is an invitation for disaster and may require a Reinstallation of the OS.


Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions 


This includes AntiVirus, Disk Cleaners, Disk Optimizes, UnInstaller etc.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 27, 2022 5:04 AM in response to JohnJoeLeo

If you can't back up or restore your Mac using Time Machine




1 - Suggest restarting in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts. The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal.


2 - Does the issue present in this mode ?


3 - If not - there could be something in the main User Account playing up. To further isolate this - Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac. Then log out of the Main User account and log into the dummy account and test again if the issue persists.


4 - If the issue is present in the dummy account - then this appears to be a System Wide issue.


5 - Suggest downloading the Application Etrecheck directly from a well Respected ASC Contributor. And Safe to use.


The application is free or paid from added features. 


Run the application with Full Disc Access ( Security & Privacy - Full Disc Access ).



It will take a Snap Shot -  both the hardware and software.


 The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 


Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last )


We can have a look at the report for possible issues and may have possible suggestions to resolve the issues.


Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS, alter, modify, remove or delete or attempt to do so is an invitation for disaster and may require a Reinstallation of the OS.


Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions 


This includes AntiVirus, Disk Cleaners, Disk Optimizes, UnInstaller etc.

Mar 1, 2022 5:33 PM in response to PRP_53

Before trying your suggestions, I opened all user accounts on my Mac and restarted backup. It solved the problem. If having all user accounts logged in is sometimes required to backup on Time Machine, I think Apple should state it clearly. Anyway, I'll keep your suggestions in mind for the next time I encounter something similar. Many thanks indeed.

I'm on Monterey 12.2.1. When I try to backup on Time Machine, I get this message no matter which backup disk I use: "Time Machine did not finish backing up because some files were unavailable. Backups will resume when your Mac is unlocked."

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