I am not able to back up to Time Machine--I get an error that says Time Machine could not finish back up because some files were unavailable. I have a new G drive with 618 GB available. My laptop is 245 GB. Any suggestions?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
MacBook Air 13″, OS X 10.11
If you're encountering an error message stating that Time Machine could not finish the backup because some files were unavailable, there could be a few potential reasons for this issue. Here are some suggestions to help you troubleshoot the problem:
1. Check for unavailable or missing files: Time Machine may encounter issues if it tries to back up files that are currently unavailable or missing on your system. Make sure all the files you want to back up are accessible and not located on external drives or network locations that are currently disconnected.
2. Verify the external drive's file system: Ensure that the file system format on your G drive is compatible with Time Machine. By default, Time Machine requires the drive to be formatted in the Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS format.
3. Check available space on the backup drive: Although you mentioned that your G drive has 618 GB available, it's worth confirming that the Time Machine backup drive isn't running low on space.
4. Exclude problematic files or folders: If you suspect that specific files or folders are causing the backup issue, you can exclude them from the Time Machine backup. Open "System Preferences" on your Mac, click on "Time Machine," then click on "Options." Here, you can add files or folders to the exclusion list.
5. Restart your Mac and backup drive: Sometimes, a simple restart of your Mac and the backup drive can resolve connectivity or temporary software issues.
6. Reset Time Machine preferences: If the problem persists, you can try resetting the Time Machine preferences.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it might be helpful to provide more specific details about the error message or consult Apple Support for further assistance.
If you're encountering an error message stating that Time Machine could not finish the backup because some files were unavailable, there could be a few potential reasons for this issue. Here are some suggestions to help you troubleshoot the problem:
1. Check for unavailable or missing files: Time Machine may encounter issues if it tries to back up files that are currently unavailable or missing on your system. Make sure all the files you want to back up are accessible and not located on external drives or network locations that are currently disconnected.
2. Verify the external drive's file system: Ensure that the file system format on your G drive is compatible with Time Machine. By default, Time Machine requires the drive to be formatted in the Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS format.
3. Check available space on the backup drive: Although you mentioned that your G drive has 618 GB available, it's worth confirming that the Time Machine backup drive isn't running low on space.
4. Exclude problematic files or folders: If you suspect that specific files or folders are causing the backup issue, you can exclude them from the Time Machine backup. Open "System Preferences" on your Mac, click on "Time Machine," then click on "Options." Here, you can add files or folders to the exclusion list.
5. Restart your Mac and backup drive: Sometimes, a simple restart of your Mac and the backup drive can resolve connectivity or temporary software issues.
6. Reset Time Machine preferences: If the problem persists, you can try resetting the Time Machine preferences.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it might be helpful to provide more specific details about the error message or consult Apple Support for further assistance.
I have the same problem and I always have to restart my Macbook in order to make a Time Machine backup – a quit annoying workaround. I hope Apple wil solve this issue with their next OS-update!
Time Machine doesn't back up every file; some "unnecessary" ones are not copied. So that may not be a problem; I suspect not. It may be the process was cut short.
If it were me, I erase the external drive and format it APS Case sensitive and try again. Once set up run it manually the first time.
Thank you. How do I format the external drive APS case sensitive?
"Time Machine could not finish back up because some files were unavailable"
