External drive and Time Machine connection set-up

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External drive and Time Machine connection set-up

I just installed a new external backup drive (SanDisk ArmorLock) and would like to connect it to Time Machine. In Systems Settings, General, Time Machine, when I click the plus sign to add the new drive, I get a message that says "No available Time Machine Designations. Connect a suitable external drive or network." However, below that are two options: cancel or set up disk, and set up disk cannot be selected (it's grayed out). Apparently some other step is necessary, but what? This disk is compatible with Macs, or so the box says.

MacBook Pro 13″

Posted on Aug 6, 2023 3:26 PM

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Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

145,177 points

Aug 6, 2023 3:43 PM in response to NJM55

MANY drive-makers ship their drive all set up in Windows New Technology File System (NTFS, the W is silent because there are no other Operating Systems). that is not suitable for Time machine backups. But if it has data already on it, you will need to ask Disk Utility to ERASE the entire physical drive its immutable manufacturer-given device-name. Be sure the little menu says "show all Devices":

Sometimes Disk Utility refuses to erase a foreign file system with Files present. If that happens, pretend it said, "Are you sure?" and immediately ask it to ERASE again.

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External drive and Time Machine connection set-up

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