Seeker321 wrote:
So I was finally able to transfer files (media, documents, etc) from an old la cie drive onto a new one (5 terabytes) I just purchsed. It is formatted for Mac OS Extended Journal. I am now trying to use it to back up my mac book pro via time machine and i get the message that the backup can't take place because there is data on the la cie, and that the only way to use time machine is to erase the la cie.
I have always been able to drag folders and files onto la cie backup drives AND use them for time machine as well.
Any ideas on is there is a workaround so that I don't have to erase everything to use time machine?
Thanks
It has always been recommended for TM to have it's own dedicated drive—it is too easy to confuse or corrupt the database.
I can say in the old days if you were to "Partition" the drive the TM should be the first Partition so TM can locate the drive without issue.
On a new Mac we use Containers not Partitions. A new macOS uses apfs not the older HFS+ file format...
So there are several things going on here.
It truly is best moving forward to dedicate a TM drive, format it as GUID/apfs to future proof your backup plan.
Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac
https://support.apple.com/guide/disk-utility/erase-and-reformat-a-storage-device-dskutl14079/21.0/mac/12.0
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/if-you-need-to-create-a-new-backup-mh34042/12.0/mac/12.0
if you value your user data
3-2-1 Backup Strategy: three copies of your data, two different methods, and one offsite.
