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User profile for user: LVARISS
LVARISS Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Time Machine could not create a local snapshot to back up from because there was insufficient free space on the source volume(s).

I get this message every time I try to backup my iMac with external Time Machine.


"Time Machine could not create a local snapshot to back up from because there was insufficient free space on the source volume(s)."


My Mac Specifications:

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)

Processor: iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)

Memory:32 GB 1600 MHz DDR3

Startup Disk: SSD (500 Gigabytes 2.23 GB available)

Graphics: AMD Radeon R9 M290X 2 GB

Hard Disk: 3TB (1.88 TB available)


What do I need to do in order to backup my iMac?

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 9, 2022 6:02 PM

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User profile for user: rkaufmann87
rkaufmann87
User level: Level 10
144,084 points

Posted on Apr 9, 2022 6:12 PM

You may be faced with having to re-format the External Hard Disk and start Time Machine from the very beginning. Please try to the following with all wired peripherals disconnected including your Time Machine External Hard Disk. If that does not work, you can try a different cable and if that does not work, then you're going to need to begin over.


Please restart the computer in Safe Mode per the directions in the  How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support link. 


Note: If you are using a wireless keyboard please either plug it in using the supplied Lightning cable that shipped with it. If you are using a legacy keyboard or a third-party keyboard that does not have re-charging abilities, please use any USB keyboard. Also note that a Safe Mode restart may require you to hold down the shift key for up to 5 minutes before the computer starts in Safe Mode. You will know it is in Safe Mode when you see “Safe Mode” in the upper right of the display.


After restarting in Safe Mode, then restart normally and test.

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User profile for user: rkaufmann87
rkaufmann87
User level: Level 10
144,084 points

Apr 9, 2022 6:12 PM in response to LVARISS

You may be faced with having to re-format the External Hard Disk and start Time Machine from the very beginning. Please try to the following with all wired peripherals disconnected including your Time Machine External Hard Disk. If that does not work, you can try a different cable and if that does not work, then you're going to need to begin over.


Please restart the computer in Safe Mode per the directions in the  How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support link. 


Note: If you are using a wireless keyboard please either plug it in using the supplied Lightning cable that shipped with it. If you are using a legacy keyboard or a third-party keyboard that does not have re-charging abilities, please use any USB keyboard. Also note that a Safe Mode restart may require you to hold down the shift key for up to 5 minutes before the computer starts in Safe Mode. You will know it is in Safe Mode when you see “Safe Mode” in the upper right of the display.


After restarting in Safe Mode, then restart normally and test.

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Time Machine could not create a local snapshot to back up from because there was insufficient free space on the source volume(s).

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