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Time Machine fails repeatedly with no problem detected on the external disk

Since a couple of days, Time Machine fails repeatedly, several times a day. I repair the disk with the Disk utility, that finds no error, then I reset Time Machine as indicated, and after one or two successful backups, it fails again, with the following report given by the Time Machine Buddy widget:

Starting standard backup
Backing up to: /Volumes/Copies de sauvegarde Time machine/Backups.backupdb
Error: (22) setxattr for key:com.apple.backupd.ModelID path:/Volumes/Copies de sauvegarde Time machine/Backups.backupdb/iMac de MM size:8
Error: (-50) Creating directory 2010-09-22-231449.inProgress
Failed to make snapshot container.
Error: (22) setxattr for key:com.apple.backupd.ModelID path:/Volumes/Copies de sauvegarde Time machine/Backups.backupdb/iMac de MM size:8
Backup failed with error: 2

I insist, the disk utility doesn't find any problem in the external USB disk. Should I reinstall the OS?
Thanks a lot for any help!
Best regards
Mauricio

iMac i5 27 inches, Mac OS X (10.6.4), Ext HDD MacWay 1,5 To

Posted on Sep 22, 2010 2:54 PM

18 replies

Sep 25, 2010 8:01 AM in response to Pondini

Pondini wrote: "But I still think it's the external HD."

You are probably right. The combo didn't arrange anything. I tried to isolate some files, but in fact they used to be copied with no problem in my old external HD.
I'm now trying to make a backup with another HD, then I'll probably re-install the OS, then - take the "new" HD to the seller.
I'll keep you informed, next week.
Thank you very much and have a nice week-end!
Mauricio

Sep 26, 2010 1:20 AM in response to Pondini

You were right. I made several backups with the old disk, with no problem. It must be the new external HD, I'll have to change it.
The origin of the trouble, in fact, was the USB port where the old disk failed in the first time: I changed the port as you said and now it seems to be working fine.
Thank you very much for your valuable help!
Best regards
Mauricio

Pondini

Level 8

38,863 points

Sep 26, 2010 7:36 AM in response to Mauricio Sergio

Great! Glad it's sorted out, and thanks for the feedback.

Time Machine fails repeatedly with no problem detected on the external disk