I'm backing up to a Western Digital Passport Ultra and I see that it is freeing up space. I used this external drive for my previous MBP. It seems stuck. But maybe just needs time to free up space. It seems to be working because the light is flashing and I'm not receiving a message.Does it take a long time to free up space? It is probably erasing previous back ups from my previous MBP. I have Ventura. 14" Apple M2 pro.
MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 13.2
<< But maybe just needs time to free up space. >>
That is likely correct.
Your very first backup is stored as a Full Backup. The next (nominally incremental) backup adds any files that have changed, but also builds the structure of a full backup at that moment, by creating links to files that are already in place (in older backups) on the backup set.
When eliminating an intermediate backup, Time machine must resolve all the links to pre-existing files and assure the integrity and completeness of the new incremental backups that remain. That takes more than a moment.
It would be more accurate to call this process 'backup consolidation', rather than 'backup removal'. The Links that remain must continue to work.
<< But maybe just needs time to free up space. >>
That is likely correct.
Your very first backup is stored as a Full Backup. The next (nominally incremental) backup adds any files that have changed, but also builds the structure of a full backup at that moment, by creating links to files that are already in place (in older backups) on the backup set.
When eliminating an intermediate backup, Time machine must resolve all the links to pre-existing files and assure the integrity and completeness of the new incremental backups that remain. That takes more than a moment.
It would be more accurate to call this process 'backup consolidation', rather than 'backup removal'. The Links that remain must continue to work.
Yes. Thank you for your quick reply. It DID need the time to clear up space and then proceeded like lightning when it had accomplished that. Sometimes, with a MAC or with anything else, patience and serenity will be the correct path to take. Your explanation is so good. I like "backup consolidation". I'm happy with my MBP. And happy with your prompt answer. Happy Valentine's Day!
Problem with Backup
