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DSWhalen

Q: time machine backup disk needs more space

Error Message

 

The backup disk needs 50.57 GB for the backup but only 15.18 GB are available. Select a larger backup disk or make the backup smaller by excluding files.

Posted on Jun 27, 2015 2:06 AM

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Q: time machine backup disk needs more space

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  • by LaPastenague,Helpful

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Jun 27, 2015 4:22 AM in response to DSWhalen
    Level 9 (52,476 points)
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    Jun 27, 2015 4:22 AM in response to DSWhalen

    Are you using a TIme Capsule.. if so check on the airport utility the actual space issue is for real.. if so you need to make a decision how to increase the space or decrease the existing backup.

     

    For most people delete the existing backup as long as there is nothing you need and start over.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jun 27, 2015 7:48 AM in response to DSWhalen
    Level 10 (105,062 points)
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    Jun 27, 2015 7:48 AM in response to DSWhalen

    Three options......listed from the most expensive on down

     

    1) Add a new Time Capsule and start Time Machine backups going to that device

     

    2) Add a USB drive to your existing Time Capsule and start backups going to that device

     

    3) Erase the drive on your existing Time Capsules and start over again with Time Machine backups

  • by DSWhalen,

    DSWhalen DSWhalen Jun 27, 2015 1:33 PM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 27, 2015 1:33 PM in response to LaPastenague

    I have deleted some files and it is now backing up, however I thought the time machine automatically delete the oldest backup automatically

  • by LaPastenague,Helpful

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Jun 27, 2015 2:24 PM in response to DSWhalen
    Level 9 (52,476 points)
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    Jun 27, 2015 2:24 PM in response to DSWhalen

    So they say.. and mostly it does.. but the backup utility cannot remove a working backup and when you do large upgrades the end result is far too many files which are necessary to boot.

     

    It does depend on having enough space to begin with.. you really want to work to a target with 4x the space used on the drive you backup. That gives TM enough space to work in.. it is also important to exclude from the backup large files that are useless.. eg virtual disks from parallels or boot camp etc.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jun 27, 2015 2:45 PM in response to DSWhalen
    Level 10 (105,062 points)
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    Jun 27, 2015 2:45 PM in response to DSWhalen
    .......however I thought the time machine automatically delete the oldest backup automatically

    It will, assuming that you are only making small "incremental" type backups.

     

    But, if the Time Capsule drive is full, and you have a larger than normal backup......say, you have added a lot of new files, or updated the operating system......then Time Machine cannot delete enough files to make room for the new, larger than normal backup.

     

    I have deleted some files and it is now backing up

    It will not be long before you see the same out of space message again, and you will have to delete even more backups.

     

    One of the 3 options that I listed above might be something that you might want to consider soon if you want to avoid having to manually delete older backups on an ongoing basis.