"I am trying to use Time Machine, and I get the following notice- An error occurred while starting the backup. Anti-virus software may be preventing Time Machine from writing to the backup.
I have McAfee installed. What could I do?
MacBook Pro
Very much agree on the advise from @Luis S above.
Part 1 of 2
There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX Foundation and Permission Limitation.
Additionally, and specific to Big Sur macOS 11 and Monterey macOS 12, the Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User and protects against from “ Bad Actor “ Software.
The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.
AntiVirus Developers purposefully Market their product to create a “ Fear Factor “. In so doing, creating a False Need for their Product.
The The Built in Security is all that is required to protect the computer.
Part 2 of 2
Personal experience back in somewhere in 2004 , shortly after making the jump form Windows to macOS.
Using Motorola PPC Powerbook with OS X 10.4 Tiger.
At that time knew nothing about OS X / macOS and figured Virus were Universal.
Installed Intego AntiVirus and the fun began when attempting to do a Time Machine Backup
Shorten the true story, the AV Software's not only causing the TM Backup issue but useless + empties by pocket of hard earned $$
Very much agree on the advise from @Luis S above.
Part 1 of 2
There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX Foundation and Permission Limitation.
Additionally, and specific to Big Sur macOS 11 and Monterey macOS 12, the Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User and protects against from “ Bad Actor “ Software.
The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.
AntiVirus Developers purposefully Market their product to create a “ Fear Factor “. In so doing, creating a False Need for their Product.
The The Built in Security is all that is required to protect the computer.
Part 2 of 2
Personal experience back in somewhere in 2004 , shortly after making the jump form Windows to macOS.
Using Motorola PPC Powerbook with OS X 10.4 Tiger.
At that time knew nothing about OS X / macOS and figured Virus were Universal.
Installed Intego AntiVirus and the fun began when attempting to do a Time Machine Backup
Shorten the true story, the AV Software's not only causing the TM Backup issue but useless + empties by pocket of hard earned $$
Uninstall mcafee and do not install similar things.
Read this excellent post about keeping your mac secure:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-8841
You have some stuff from mcafee:
2022-10-07 09:20:51 McAfee LiveSafe - Internet Security Crash
Executable: /Applications/McAfee LiveSafe - Internet Security.app
2022-10-07 09:20:41 StatefulFirewall Crash
Executable: /usr/local/McAfee/StatefulFirewall/bin/StatefulFirewall
2022-10-07 09:14:46 VShieldService Crash (7 times)
Executable: /usr/local/McAfee/AntiMalware/VShieldService
Completely uninstall this thing.
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.
We can have a really good look if Elements of this useless AV Software is still installed and causing this issue
Sorry to hear that.
Two things you may try, and see if they help:
1) restart in Safe Mode; see if TM will work in Safe Mode; restart normally.
2) create a new admin user; login to that account; see if it can start Time Machine.
Run a New Etrecheck Report. To make sure ALL Elements of McAfee is indeed removed and post back
Thanks for the suggestion. I have uninstalled McAfee, but still get a similar notice when trying backup.
All things related to McAfee were deleted from the computer. Still does not work.
Thanks for your help
I get the following- An error occurred while starting the backup. Anti-virus software may be preventing Time Machine from writing to the backup. I have McAfee installed. What could I do?
