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Time Machine will not work -

I have tried restarting, trying a brand new backup disk, leaving iMac running for days, etc but nothing happens. It has set up a file but is still in progress and last modified more than 24 hours ago.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jun 10, 2023 4:21 PM

Reply
7 replies

Jun 11, 2023 10:54 AM in response to JWood42

First, there is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac.  This documents describe what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.  


There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs.  There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.   


Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear.  They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware.  Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.


There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it.  The free version is more than adequate for most users.  


In addition to CleanMyMac and Trusteer also uninstall according to the developer's inst4rudtions Gemini-2. All are unneeded and are known to be hinderance to system and application performance.


Jun 11, 2023 2:06 PM in response to JWood42

Please uninstall CleanMyMac and Trusteer per the developers instructions. Why simple, at best they are 100% worthless. They also cause weird behavior and make Mac OS appear buggy much like you are experiencing. The ONLY thing they do is take your money, make OS appear buggy , slow down your computer and offer no additional level of security that Mac OS does not already have!


Make sure you find the developers instructions to uninstall both and follow them to the letter.


Download the free version of FindAnyFile and use it to uninstall Adobe flash or navigate to the Adobe website and follow their uninstall instructions. You may have to take both actions to fulling get rid of Flash.


Note: Security Risk! - Adobe Flash Player installed!

Jun 10, 2023 5:00 PM in response to JWood42

Please do the following:


It will help us get a good idea of what is causing your problem if you provide a report of your system, that way we do not have to play 20 questions with you. The report we are requesting does NOT provide any personal information and is extremely safe to use. Please navigate to www.Etrecheck.com and download the free version of EtreCheck. Once you have you downloaded the app and installed it, please run the report and save it. This report will help us get a good idea what has been installed on your system and help us be able to diagnose what may be wrong.


When you have your report, you can attach it when you reply to this message and we can then review it and help you determine what is needed to get your system running well again. 


For instructions on how to download your EtreCheck report and attach it to your reply to this message please click How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community It is helpful to us if you download the report to your Desktop.



Jun 11, 2023 9:01 AM in response to JWood42

You have CleanMyMac and Trusteer anti-virus apps installed. This is generally considered as ill advised.

AV apps, as well as other cleaning, speed-up and optimizing apps, are of little value on the Mac, and they tend to cause more problems than they prevent.


I would advise you to remove both of these app per the guidance that their publishers provide.


Please, see these support documents:

Protecting against malware in macOS - Apple Support


XProtect Explained: How Your Mac’s Built-in Anti-malware Software Works - How-To Geek:

https://www.howtogeek.com/217043/xprotect-explained-how-your-macs-built-in-anti-malware-works/



Also, I see that you have a configuration Profile installed. If you are aware of your need for that, then all is well. If you are unsure why it is there, then consider removing it.


To remove a configuration profile in macOS:

Click > Apple menu  > System Preferences....

From the View menu in System Preferences, select “Profiles”. 

(Note– “Profiles” won't be visible unless you have at least one installed.)

Select the offending Profile then press the minus (–) button and click Remove to remove the profile.

Time Machine will not work -

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