Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 1

0 points

"Change Disk..." in Time Machine stays grey

I've been using two (identical) external FW400 HDs for backing up two (identical) Macmini's that we have in the house, backing up both Macmini's onto both HDs satisfactorily for the last 3,5 years or so. Today backing up MacMini A and B onto HD#1 went fine, then I couldn't "Change Disk..." (to backup onto HD#2 on MM-A anymore (stayed 'grey', so not 'clickable'), but could still "Change Disk..." on MM-B.

So now I'm 'stuck' with using only HD#1 for MM-A as it still 'recognizes the last used backup drive, I suppose, because eventhough I cannot click "Change Disk..." anymore I can still backup onto HD#1 by rightclicking the TimeMachine ico and then clicking "Backup Now". On MM-2 I can still use both HDs.

Does anyone have a tip how to make "Change Disk..." work again on MM-A? (I did disconnect and unplug the ext HD, with its own power supply, and then restart MM-A and then reconnect the ext HD, but to no avail)

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.5.8), mid-2007 model (2GB RAM, 120 GB HD)

Posted on Oct 12, 2012 3:04 AM

Best reply

BDAqua

Level 10

239,273 points

Posted on Oct 12, 2012 9:43 AM

Open console in Applications>Utilities, check the system log for the date/time of the last problem & the Startup right after that for clues.

View in context

26 replies

strawbale Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 13, 2012 10:43 AM in response to BDAqua

found it

what now?

If I click on it to open it asks me for an application - which one?

PS: when, for example, trying to open with TextEdit, it says: no privilege to open ...

PPS: change the priviliges for 'everyone' from 'no access' to 'read only'

BDAqua

Level 10

239,273 points

Oct 13, 2012 12:55 PM in response to strawbale

Well, If I understand that article correctly, we need to make a copy of that file for safety, find the other good one wherever it is, then replace it.

strawbale Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 13, 2012 1:14 PM in response to BDAqua

OK...

Where/how to look for "the other good one"?

BDAqua

Level 10

239,273 points

Oct 13, 2012 3:25 PM in response to strawbale

Maybe on the good Backup Drive?

strawbale Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 14, 2012 1:08 AM in response to BDAqua

Maybe, but where? Can't find anything through Finder. Do I need to go through Go to Folder again and if so, where to?

strawbale Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 14, 2012 7:59 AM in response to strawbale

Well, somehow the problem seems to have resolved itself: the "Change Disk..." button in not grey anymore, so when I attached HD#2 and tried to select it, it worked - it backing up right now...

BDAqua

Level 10

239,273 points

Oct 14, 2012 11:50 AM in response to strawbale

Whew, good to hear it's working anyway! 🙂

strawbale Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 15, 2012 12:17 AM in response to BDAqua

BDqua, Thanks again for all your effort & suggestions - much appreciated!

strawbale Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 15, 2012 4:15 AM in response to strawbale

latest update: same problem strikes back 😟

Now with the other ext HD (#2) it's fine. I think because the last backup was done on that HD and now the 'Change Disk...' is grey again (= non-clickable) I can continue to use HD#2 (as it's automatically recognised from the last succesful backup), but now I cannot use HD#1 (as I'd need 'Change Disk...' for that)!

So it seems (to me, as a user and non-expert whatsoever) that there's a problem with TM, i.e. the 'Change Disk...' option that bugs, no?

strawbale Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 15, 2012 4:33 AM in response to strawbale

Update:

It may have to do with TM being 'On' locked ot not locked: On MacMini A I have TM default locked in the On position and on MacMini B default not locked in the On position; after I unlocked TM on MM A and switched TM Off and On again, the 'Change Disk...' button became clickable (black) again!

BDAqua

Level 10

239,273 points

Oct 15, 2012 9:42 AM in response to strawbale

AHA, good work, I think that would explain it! 🙂

"Change Disk..." in Time Machine stays grey