Time Machine Backup Failure

pfaepeebles wrote:

. . .

The iMac one is used most frequently and the backup has failed a couple of times.

With what message? See #C2 in Time Machine - Troubleshooting. It will show you how to locate the message(s) that describe the problem, then help you fix it. If that doesn't help, post back with details, including all the messages, your setup (especially the destination for the backups), what you've done, and the results.

pfaepeebles wrote:

. . .

I have tried copy these files to my iMac internal hard drive but I get an error "The operation can’t be completed because it isn’t supported."

How do I back up the drive. Does Disk Utility let me do this or do I need additional software.

No, you won't be able to copy them. 😟 That's a generic message, applying to other files & folders. Because Time Machine backups are all linked togetether in an intricate structure, you can't copy a damaged set.

If Disk Utility can't repair it, it's possible a heavy-duty 3rd-party disk repair app, such as DiskWarrior, can. These are expensive (DiskWarrior is about $100), and probably a good investment for the future, but there's no guarantee it will work. If you decide to do this, be sure to use only a version that's compatible with the version of OSX on your system.

Otherwise, your only option is to erase the partition and let Time Machine start over from scratch. If you do that, take the time to click the Security Options button, then Zero Out Disk. If that fails, you know the disk is on it's last legs. If it succeeds, the disk might be ok.

Hold old is the disk? Since you've had corruption issues in the past, it sounds like something is wrong, either with the disk, the connection to it (port, cable, etc.); system crashes or abnormal shutdowns; power failures to it; or improper disconnection (ie, without ejecting it first.

Good 🙂 but keep an eye on it. That sort of thing can be an early sign of a disk beginning to fail. 😟

I have a Seagate BackUp Plus drive. It is formatted correctly but I periodically get a "Backup Failed" Time machine couldn't back up to "Backup" Unable to complete backup. An error occurred while creating the backup folder"

When I try to erase the drive, it won't proceed because the "disk can't unmount"

Does this change your option of what to do.

Ibrockhurst,

Please create a new thread and describe how you formatted the EHD, please try to be specific. Also tell us how the EHD is connected to the iMac, USB, Bluetooth, Firewire, Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi etc.....