Time Machine Frequent "Start New Backup"

Thanks 🙂

To check your netatalk version, log into your Synology NAS, start the terminal (you may need to enable this in control panel) and try running the command below:

netatalk-config --version

This should give you the information you are looking for.

I don't have a Synology NAS so this may not work, but its how I checked on my NAS.

DSM 4.2 (which is the current version) includes netatalk 2.2.3

Have a look at this thread: http://forum.synology.com/enu/viewtopic.php?f=225&t=62245

as I've said here I have two mac, an iMac that backs up via ethernet and a macbook using wifi.

The iMac is the only one to experience this problem.

Never had any problems with the macbook and wifi.

Stop saying that we should not save wifi, this is not true...

(DS212J and DSM 4.2)

Mehdi.C,

Thanks for the reply. Glad to hear WiFi is working for you.

It has been my experience that backups via WiFi lead to trouble.

I AGREE that WiFi should be saved. Time Machine should be fixed, and saved.

In the meantime, it would be helpful to be able to configure Time Machine to NOT USE WiFi when looking for a Backup Disk.

Regards

ANYONE have a suggestion for how to tell TM not to search for a backup disk when WiFi is on?

Do you know TimeMachineScheduler ?

You can tell it to only backup over ethernet or wifi.

http://www.klieme.com/TimeMachineScheduler.html

Message was edited by: Mehdi.C -> Correcting my bad english

Thanks for posting the link to TimeMachineScheduler -- I was wondering about something like this just yesterday. I've reduced the frequency of backups and set it to only backup over ethernet. Perfect!

I also tried to reduce the frequency of backups, but no change in my case the error persists on my iMac 😐

Thanks. I'll check it out.

I have said it before, and I will say it again...

I have never seen this problem on my iMac running 10.7.3 (wireless). Only on my MBP running 10.8.2 (wireless). Both are connected to the same Synology NAS, connected to my router via ethernet.

I called Apple and they said the do not support TM on third part NAS.

Mosley1,

This certainly seems short-sighted of Apple to respond with that answer.

It is highly likely that you're NOT asking for support of your NAS, as I would not be. You're reporting the NAS works. As am I. You're suggesting there is a bug in Time Machine or Apple's WiFi application or the OS, itself.

Someone at Apple is, no doubt, monitoring these forumns. IF they'd like to receive a little gold star for their forehead, you'd think they'd champion the bug report you, I and others are trying to submit.

Isn't the hook that Apple grows or falters based upon the impressions of its clients and prospects (that's us) whether zealots or skeptics? Doesn't Apple encourage third-party applications? Don't they want EVERY manufacturer of NAS devices to point with pride to their "Apple Connection"?

One would think, yes.

Regards

It has to be repeated over & over again. Apple absolutely DOESN NOT monitor any of the forums. The only way to contact Apple is the way you have been doing (phoning and/or the genius bar), and/or leave feedback on-line.

If anyone gets 'Brownie Points,' it's the incredible number of knowledgable volunteers, who roam the forums, and give good advice. Thank you to all of them.

All we know is that the constant need of Time Machine to start new back-ups started with Lion, and 3rd party Wi-Fi NAS is a crapshoot. A year ago, when this topic was already in full swing, the consensus of the advice givers was that with 3rd party NAS set-ups it's not a question if they fail, but when.

There was an earlier post that had a link to a paper, explaining that the Wi-Fi fault is Time Machine's, because of the fundamental way the program is engineered. It won't get fixed until Apple completely re-builds the program, and will probably be then incompatible with previous versions.

Klaus,

It is comforting to know there's such an expert in the house. Do you happen to have the link to the paper explaining the WiFi problem?

Thanks for repeating the info about Apple. How did you come to know that no one from Apple montiors such a rich source of consumer information?

IF you are right,

THEN Apple is wrong.

Regards

Hello rsw1941,

here is the link:

http://basilsalad.com/how-to/time-machine-wireless-backup/

I am sure that Apple may 'peek in' from time to time, or that they may have some software that triggers when a thread exceeds x number of responses. However, it is obvious that they do not consider these forums as their primary source of guidance. Consider this thread, and similar ones, that have been going on for close to a year, and have generated hundreds of responses, without any action. -- A few years ago Apple brought out 'Airport Utility 5.1,' and for a year tens of thousands of people were pulling out their hair. Airport Extreme would randomly quit, and would have to be constantly re-started by pulling out the plug. If you live in a multi level home, the trips up & down stairs gave you a good work out, not counting the frustration when Safari froze, and/or the email wouldn't come in or send. The official word from phoning the troubleshooting lines, and/or going to the Store, was, that they were 'not aware of any reported problems.' That was after there were already many different threads with hundreds of responses. Never was there ever a response that 'they were aware of the problem, and working on a resolution.' As far as I can tell, nothing has changed.

PS: Have you noticed that this thread has started on Jan 25, 2012, that is a year and three and a half months ago...? And has there ever been an acknowledgement, anywhere, that Apple is 'aware and working on it?'

Thanks, Klaus.

We agree. Apple certainly should peek in from time-to-time...and you're correct that bug reports must also be submitted directly to the mother ship.

Regards