Back up fails

Question

Back up fails

i'm trying to back up my files in my external hard drive as usual, using the time machine application, but I get a message saying that the back up failed because there is not enough space in the disk. I have already excluded files and it doesn't solve the problem. I understand the way back ups work is by only updating and copying what already is in the disk used for the back up. So, why is it backing up everything again? My external hard drive has 248.63 GB available but it says it needs near 300 which is why I'm confused. Please help!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Feb 16, 2014 5:30 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 19, 2017 2:41 AM in response to a brody

HI I don't know if this is still active

When it says back up failed I go into the menu to see what the problem is

I look for things I can delete and there. is no clear way of seeing what I can delete

I don't want to delete files that are from my old computer as I can't open it

how do I search what is in this back up please

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Answer 2

a brody

Level 10

82,965 points

Feb 18, 2014 5:11 AM in response to caritadeplata

Your backup drive should at least be twice as big as the original when it comes to Time Machine. Otherwise it won't have room to store the archives you want to preserve. Note, the archives of Time Machine when it is set up right, will recursively delete as frequently as it is needed to maintain room. It is better to manually backup with Time machine from its menu, using the System Preferences from the Apple menu to add its menu, and archive any versions of your archives somewhere off the Time Machine if you don't want a persistent copy left on your original drive. Otherwise your archives will eventually be erased.

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Answer 3

a brody

Level 10

82,965 points

Apr 24, 2017 7:56 PM in response to holymosesdog

Use Find Any File. That is a great third party software independent of Spotlight capable of finding applications and documents.

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