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I've been getting this message every time I open my MacBook Air:
Time Machine detected that your backups on “Data” can not be reliably restored. Time Machine must erase your existing backup history and start a new backup to correct this.
"Data" is on my AirPort Time Capsule. Is there any danger in erasing the existing backup history and starting a new backup? I've been nervous about doing this.
Thanks; any advice will be appreciated.
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.3
This error message indicates that Time Machine has found that the existing backup set is corrupt ... and is offering to start a new backup set. This would delete that previous set.
Since this is a Time Capsule, one option prior to starting a new set, would be to verify the existing backup set's integrity. To do so, hold down the Option key, and then, select the Time Machine icon on the macOS menu bar. Then select the "Verify Backups" option to start it. If this process verifies a failed backup set, your only choice would be to start a new set.
Ref: Verify your backup disk on Mac - Apple Support
Although, a bit late at this point, if your data is critical to you, you shouldn't rely on only a single backup strategy. The following user tip article should prove helpful going forward:
This error message indicates that Time Machine has found that the existing backup set is corrupt ... and is offering to start a new backup set. This would delete that previous set.
Since this is a Time Capsule, one option prior to starting a new set, would be to verify the existing backup set's integrity. To do so, hold down the Option key, and then, select the Time Machine icon on the macOS menu bar. Then select the "Verify Backups" option to start it. If this process verifies a failed backup set, your only choice would be to start a new set.
Ref: Verify your backup disk on Mac - Apple Support
Although, a bit late at this point, if your data is critical to you, you shouldn't rely on only a single backup strategy. The following user tip article should prove helpful going forward:
The only danger is if you have any files backed up on TM that you do not have on your working boot drive that you absolutely need. If not that's the best way to straighten out TM backup problems - erase and start over from scratch.
If you do have any files that you want to keep try entering TM and going to where they would be stored at a time when they would exist and try to restore them before erasing.
erasing backup history
