How can I delete the Backups.backupdb folder?

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Level 1

4 points

How can I delete the Backups.backupdb folder?

When I try to upgrade my MacOS it says "this drive is being used for a Time Machine backup". My Time Machine is backing up to an external drive but somehow there is a Backups.backupdb folder on my main internal drive. I cannot find a way to delete or remove this folder from my internal HD. There is no "Move to Trash" option and when I try to change permissions to read & write it says I don't have the necessary permissions.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Sep 2, 2022 11:50 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

PRP_53

Level 10

92,437 points

Sep 2, 2022 2:03 PM in response to obiphat

Restart 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.

Any try to remove the Folder

If still not able --->

Disabling and Enabling System Integrity Protection - Apple ...

And immediately following the removal of the Folder - re-enable SIP

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Answer 2

obiphat Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 2, 2022 7:28 PM in response to PRP_53

Tried to restart in safe mode and folder still would not delete. Went to recovery and disabled SIP and back to safe mode and still will not delete. Tried using terminal in recovery mode with command rm -rf /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD/Backups.backupdb and sill get an Operation not permitted error.

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Answer 3

PRP_53

Level 10

92,437 points

Sep 3, 2022 1:30 AM in response to obiphat

Understand, we are all working Remotely from all around the world.

Therefore, we do not have the On-Hands experience the User ( you ) has with this computer.

The next best thing for us to having a semi - actual On-Hand experience with this computer is to follow the steps below

Download the Application Etrecheck directly from the Developer.

The application is free or paid from added features.

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.

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Answer 4

tjk

Level 9

51,142 points

Sep 2, 2022 2:02 PM in response to obiphat

Hi,

Open TM Preferences > Select Disk > click on the internal drive to select it > Remove Disk.

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Answer 5

obiphat Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 2, 2022 6:34 PM in response to tjk

The only hard drive that shows up there is the external backup drive. No internal.

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How can I delete the Backups.backupdb folder?

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