Error Warning that Time Machine couldn’t complete the backup to disk, an error occurred while copying files.

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Level 1

105 points

Error Warning that Time Machine couldn’t complete the backup to disk, an error occurred while copying files.

I've been getting this warning on my MBA for the last week: "Time Machine couldn’t complete the backup to “LaCie-2big-NAS.” an error occurred while copying files. The problem may be temporary. If the problem persists, us Disk Utility to repair your backup disk."

I have MBA and iMac, both running Maverick (10.9.4), backed up to LaCie NAS. However, when I go to Disk Utility on the MBA and the iMac, the LaCie does not appear and thus can't be selected to run repair. The iMac seems to be backing up to LaCie without problem. And even seems that MBA is backing up sometimes; when I check Time Machine, I can find files added in the last couple of days.

Is this a real problem? What's fix?

Thanks

OS X Mavericks (10.9.4), iMac (10.9.4) and MBA (10.9.4)

Posted on Jul 22, 2014 1:21 PM

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Answer 1

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

Jul 22, 2014 1:38 PM in response to ArmandoWyo

You can't repair a network volume in Disk Utility.

Backing up to a third-party NAS with Time Machine is risky, and unacceptably risky if it's your only backup. I know this isn't the answer you want, and I also know that the manufacturer says the device will work with Time Machine, and that it usually seems to work. Except when you try to restore, and find that you can't.

If you want network backup with Time Machine, use as the destination either an Apple Time Capsule or an external hard drive connected to another Mac or to an 802.11ac AirPort base station. Only the 802.11ac base stations support Time Machine, not any older model.

If you're determined to keep using the NAS for backup, your only recourse for any problems that result is to the manufacturer (which will blame Apple.)

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Answer 2

ArmandoWyo Author

Level 1

105 points

Jul 22, 2014 1:58 PM in response to Linc Davis

Linc, You're correct that it isn't the answer I wanted, but you did clarify that can't repair networked disk. And I'm not going to dump LaCie NAS, almost $400. The current Apple products can't backup iMac via wire and MBA via wireless and with RAID protection. And yes, LaCie does say it works with Time Machine. I hope they will not blame Apple. Thanks.

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

216,118 points

Jul 22, 2014 2:29 PM in response to ArmandoWyo

Maybe something in this webpage will give you a clue as to how to proceed: Time Machine Troubleshooting. . . an error occurred while copying files . . .

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Answer 4

ArmandoWyo Author

Level 1

105 points

Jul 25, 2014 2:30 PM in response to Old Toad

OT,

thanks. Read it, but these are not the warnings I'm getting.

I've been following what's happening, and when I open TM, it shows that at least 1 successful backup a day. However, in TM Preferences it says, "Oldest Backup: None. Latest Backup: None." Maybe I am not actually backing up at all?

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Answer 5

Aug 24, 2016 8:09 PM in response to ArmandoWyo

I had the same problem with a networked (Airport Time Capsule, plus 2 other externals attached to this, also backing up using Time Machine), and solved it by doing the following (unfortunately you loose all previous backups, unless you save them elsewhere):

Stop all Time Machine backups

Delete the 'xxxxxx.sparsebundle' backup files on your external hard drive (takes a long time)

Go to Macintosh HD, Library, Preferences, and delete the 'com.apple.TimeMachine.plist' file

Re-select the external drive within Time Machine and perform a new backup from scratch (takes a long time)

Please note I am not an expert, and tried this through information gained from other websites. So far it has worked for a week with no adverse effects, but perhaps others can chime in if this is in any way is detrimental to other systems...

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