Why did backing up to Time Machine become super slow?

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Why did backing up to Time Machine become super slow?

Trying to backup to my external HD. I'm using Snow Leopard, and this isn't the first back up. Had computer for 2 years, and this just started about a month ago. No new updates around that time that I can recall. Backups taking more than 24 hours! I used to be able to have a backup in less than an hour, so I had hourly backups. Any idea how to fix this? I don't want to neglect backing up and need them, because I've had to use them before in the past.

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Nov 9, 2012 10:22 AM

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Answer 1

dalstott

Level 4

2,639 points

Nov 9, 2012 10:40 AM in response to Candace127

I don't have a good answer but try this link to TimeMachine trouble shooting page.

http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html

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Answer 2

Candace127 Author

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Nov 9, 2012 10:44 AM in response to dalstott

I've been trying to look over it, but so far, nothing is sticking out. All cables are connected, USB port works, etc.

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Answer 3

dalstott

Level 4

2,639 points

Nov 9, 2012 10:47 AM in response to Candace127

This addresses slowness. The http://pondini.org/TM/D2.html

The Time Machine Buddy widget sounds interesting

Time Machine Buddy (see item #A1).

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Answer 4

Candace127 Author

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Nov 9, 2012 7:24 PM in response to dalstott

I did run the Time Machine Buddy and found this "Bulk setting Spotlight attributes failed." Which is no good! So there's something wrong, just not sure how to fix it. I'm trying to verify/repair the hard drive now.

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

141,132 points

Nov 9, 2012 7:43 PM in response to Candace127

Read the link dalstott provided: http://pondini.org/TM/D2.html

"Unfortunately, any of a number of things may cause this."

There is a long list of things to check for starting in the green box.

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Answer 6

Candace127 Author

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Nov 9, 2012 7:45 PM in response to John Galt

Yeah - that's where I got the verify/repair disk.

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Answer 7

Candace127 Author

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Nov 14, 2012 12:58 PM in response to Candace127

I don't have any antivirus, I've tried repairing, and nothing seems to be working. Do you all think the next step is trying a new external hard drive? Thanks.

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Answer 8

John Galt

Level 10

141,132 points

Nov 14, 2012 10:27 PM in response to Candace127

Candace127 wrote:

... Do you all think the next step is trying a new external hard drive? Thanks.

It may not be the next step, but it is the last:

http://pondini.org/TM/D2.html

If nothing helps, your drive may be failing (they all do, sooner or later).

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