HT201250: Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac

Learn about Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac

haroldfromnesconset

Level 1 (0 points)

Q: If I use Time Machine on my MacBook can I use the hard drive on the same MacBook as the back up drive ?

I want to use Time Machine but instead of using a hard drive outside of the MacBook, would I be able to use the hard drive that is in the computer?

Would I be able to use a memory stick ?

MacBook Pro (15-inch Late 2011), iOS 7.0.2

Posted on Oct 6, 2013 5:14 PM

I have this question too

Q: If I use Time Machine on my MacBook can I use the hard drive on the same MacBook as the back up drive ?

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by macjack,

macjack Oct 6, 2013 5:20 PM in response to haroldfromnesconset
Level 9 (55,709 points)

Mac OS X

Oct 6, 2013 5:20 PM in response to haroldfromnesconset

It defeats the purpose of having a backup if you keep it on the same drive. That's your safety if your drive fails.
Also, you should allow about double the space of the volume you are backing up.

EDIT: Time Machine does keep local snapshots on your drive
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4878

See this for more good TM tips...
http://pondini.org/TM/Home.html
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by babowa,

babowa Oct 6, 2013 6:02 PM in response to haroldfromnesconset
Level 7 (32,357 points)

iPad

Oct 6, 2013 6:02 PM in response to haroldfromnesconset

Putting a backup on the same drive is a bad idea. All hard drives fail at some point - this way, you'd lose both your system and your backup. And, a memory stick would need to be rather large.
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