Restore from Time Machine stuck on "preparing to restore": error log

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Restore from Time Machine stuck on "preparing to restore": error log

Yessterday I installed a OWC Aura SSD into my late 2014 MacMini in hopes of speeding up the machine. I was able to format the SSD as an APFS disk and then attempted to Restore from Time Machine using my Time Machine backups from the internal HD.

The process has been stuck on "preparing to restore" for over 24 hours. As I have never done this before, I don't know if this is normal or not. The internal HD has about 335 GB on it. I have attached the Log Window from the Restore from Time Machine process, but don't know if there is any information there that might indicate whether the process is stuck or just proceeding slowly.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Installer log 4.16.23

Mac mini, macOS 10.14

Posted on Apr 16, 2023 10:22 AM

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Answer 1

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den.thed

Level 10

91,414 points

Apr 16, 2023 11:13 AM in response to pomme-homme

After formatting the SSD, you need to install macOS and then Migrate from the Time Machine backup.

Another option, is to use CarbonCopy or SuperDuper and clone iMac's old drive to the new SSD.

https://bombich.com/ or https://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

69,194 points

Apr 17, 2023 11:23 AM in response to pomme-homme

The System areas of macOS 10.15+ are now on read only APFS volume. With macOS 11.x+ the system area is also now signed & sealed as well. So the permission you may see within the system area no longer really apply as far as modifications go even for root & admin users. When using CCC or SuperDuper to clone a macOS 11.x+ boot drive, both of these apps must now utilize a macOS built-in "asr" utility which transfers the entire APFS volume to another location in order to keep the volume in tact.

About the read-only system volume in macOS Catalina or later - Apple Support

Signed system volume security in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS - Apple Support

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Answer 3

pomme-homme Author

Level 2

454 points

Apr 16, 2023 4:09 PM in response to den.thed

Good ideas!

I used SuperDuper (long-time user) to clone the Mac’s HD to the SSD; only took about 3 hours. I opened System Preferences to change the Startup Disk, but received a message that I had “insufficient privileges.” I added my name to users with Read/Write privileges for the SSD, but ran into the same roadblock. I thought I understood privileges, but I guess I don’t. How can I fix this?

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

91,414 points

Apr 16, 2023 6:27 PM in response to pomme-homme

Not sure, I've been using CarbonCopyCloner for like 15years.

Is your SuperDuper version up to date?

Did you select the bootable clone options?

I hear the SuperDuper developer is responsive to users reporting problems.

Go to the web site click Support and send an e-mail to the developer.

In addition, you might also contact OWC for some additional support tips.

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/mac-mini/2014

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Answer 5

pomme-homme Author

Level 2

454 points

Apr 17, 2023 11:35 AM in response to HWTech

OK, the system I am trying to transfer is Mojave (10.14.6).

Does that mean that using CCC or SuperDuper won't work?

I tried to restore the SSD from my most recent complete Time Machine backup, but the process was stuck on "Preparing to restore" for over 24 hours. I had attached the error log to a previous post.

Thanks.

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Answer 6

HWTech

Level 9

69,194 points

Apr 18, 2023 9:24 AM in response to pomme-homme

Both CCC & SuperDuper will work fine on Intel Macs at least up through Monterey assuming the latest OS updates have not changed anything.

Did you first install macOS to the new drive as @den.thed mentioned?

I don't use TM so I won't be able to help much.

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Restore from Time Machine stuck on "preparing to restore": error log

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