Unable to install Yosemite - The disk is used for Time Machine backups

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Unable to install Yosemite - The disk is used for Time Machine backups

I have a Macbook Pro laptop running on OS X Lion (10.7.5)

I had no issues downloading the Yosemite installer completely. I would click on "Install OS X Yosemite" from Applications and click agree.

This is where the problem begins. I am unable to choose my hard drive (HD) because the message says "The disk is used for Time Machine backups." Here's the thing. I don't use the hard drive for Time Machine use as I have an external hard drive for that. I would also try it with my Time Machine external hard drive connected, and it would show the same message ("The disk is used for Time Machine backups.") when I point it on either drives.

Please help.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Sep 7, 2015 1:59 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

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361,741 points

Sep 7, 2015 9:47 PM in response to runtmb

OS X v10.6, OS X Lion- Cannot install Mac OS X v10.6 or later on a volume used by Time Machine for backups

OS X- Cannot install on a volume used by Time Machine for backups

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Answer 2

runtmb Author

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Sep 8, 2015 8:40 AM in response to Kappy

Thanks Kappy!

I actually don't use my laptop's hard drive for Time Machine. I have an external drive for that. But somehow, I can't choose my hard drive as a destination to download Yosemite.

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Sep 8, 2015 12:44 PM in response to runtmb

At one time you did, so that is why there is a Time Machine backup on the drive. Follow the instructions for removing it. You should then have no problem downloading Yosemite.

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Answer 4

runtmb Author

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Sep 9, 2015 12:20 AM in response to Kappy

I tried to follow the instructions to remove the Time Machine back up from the hard drive. I first turned off Time Machine. But then, when I looked for the Backups.backupdb folder in Finder, there was no such file/folder to trash.

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Answer 5

Kappy

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361,741 points

Sep 9, 2015 1:48 PM in response to runtmb

Try searching with EasyFind 4.9.3. There has to be a file or folder somewhere or you would not receive the error.

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Answer 6

runtmb Author

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Sep 15, 2015 12:50 AM in response to Kappy

I used spotlight and downloaded easyfind 4.9.3 to search for the file, but no luck whatsoever. I completely understand that there has to be a file/folder somewhere that I have to delete. Am just not able to find it.

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Answer 7

Sep 28, 2015 12:21 PM in response to runtmb

Ever figure this out? I'm having the exact same issue and just gave up.

John

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Answer 8

runtmb Author

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Sep 30, 2015 11:16 PM in response to stinkbubble

hey there!

i've pretty much given up as well. tried all of Kappy's suggestions, just can't seem to find the backup folder in my files.

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Answer 9

Oct 1, 2015 4:19 PM in response to runtmb

Tried this suggestion, below, from Eric and it worked, I found the Backup file. It took some manual searching but it's was there. Search in Finder and Spotlight are useless.

"Go to the hard drive level where Applications, Library, System, and the Users are. It is normally there."

Hope this helps.

John

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Answer 10

runtmb Author

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Oct 1, 2015 4:21 PM in response to stinkbubble

jackpot! Thank you stinkbubble. that's where I found it. Now i was finally able to upgrage to Yosemite. Thanks again!

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