nb023
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Q: Time Machine: There are no disks to back up (My HDD is listed under the exclude list)

Hi so I have a NAS that I have used previously for time machine back ups but for the past two weeks I keep getting a time machine error that says there are no disks to back up and when I check my exclusion list my HDD is listed under there and I can't remove it since its greyed out. I recently installed VMWare Fusion Pro to run Windows 8.1, so maybe thats causing the issue? Although other people can back up their laptops fine running VMWare. 

 

Early 2011 Macbook Pro 8,2

El Capitan 10.11.3

 

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.3), Early 2011 Macbook Pro 8,2

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 4:32 PM

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nb023

Q: Time Machine: There are no disks to back up (My HDD is listed under the exclude list)

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Feb 14, 2016 5:40 PM in response to nb023
    Level 10 (207,963 points)
    Applications
    Feb 14, 2016 5:40 PM in response to nb023

    A third-party network-attached storage device (NAS) or router is unsuitable for use with Time Machine, especially if it's your only backup. I know this isn't what you want to hear. I know that Time Machine accepts the device as a backup destination. I know that the manufacturer says the device will work with Time Machine, and I also know that it usually seems to work. Except when you try to restore, and find that you can't.

    Apple has published a specification for network devices that work with Time Machine. No third-party vendor, as far as I know, meets that specification. They all use the incomplete, obsolete Netatalk implementation of Apple Filing Protocol.

    Apple does not endorse any third-party network device for use with Time Machine. See this support article.

    If you want network backup, use as the destination either an Apple Time Capsule or an external storage device 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.

    Otherwise, don't use Time Machine at all. There are other ways to back up, though none of them is anywhere near as efficient or as well integrated with OS X. I don't have a specific recommendation.

    If you're determined to keep using the device with Time Machine, your only recourse for any problems that result is to the manufacturer (which will blame Apple, or you, or anyone but itself.)

  • by nb023,

    nb023 nb023 Feb 15, 2016 12:34 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 15, 2016 12:34 PM in response to Linc Davis

    I've restored from it before just fine, thanks.

     

    Does anybody have any advice that will actually help me?

     

    Thanks

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Feb 15, 2016 12:50 PM in response to nb023
    Level 10 (207,963 points)
    Applications
    Feb 15, 2016 12:50 PM in response to nb023

    To repeat, not for your benefit but for others who may find this thread: You're using an unsupported backup configuration that should be expected to result in total data loss, as it has for many.

  • by Allan Eckert,

    Allan Eckert Allan Eckert Feb 15, 2016 12:53 PM in response to nb023
    Level 9 (53,621 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 15, 2016 12:53 PM in response to nb023

    As Linc has explained to you, your configuration is not supported by Apple. It may work for a time but eventually your backups will fail.

     

    The only alternative is to start using a configuration approved by Apple.

  • by nb023,

    nb023 nb023 Feb 15, 2016 1:21 PM in response to Allan Eckert
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 15, 2016 1:21 PM in response to Allan Eckert

    Its been fine for 2 years. When it fails I will buy something else.

     

    Okay now if anybody can help me figure out whats wrong I would appreciate it. It wouldn't matter if I had an "apple approved" device since it won't even let me take my HDD off the exclusions list. Please stop taking my thread off-topic it is of no help to me, or anybody else looking for a solution to a similar problem.

  • by Boyd Porter,

    Boyd Porter Boyd Porter Feb 16, 2016 5:51 AM in response to nb023
    Level 3 (997 points)
    Feb 16, 2016 5:51 AM in response to nb023

    No one can assist you if you are using an unsupported configuration.  Here is what Apple supports for Time Machine.  Backup disks you can use with Time Machine - Apple Support

     

    Also see Pondini's discussion of the pros and cons in the pink and yellow sections.  http://pondini.org/TM/2.html

     

    Have a nice day.

  • by nb023,

    nb023 nb023 Feb 16, 2016 10:43 AM in response to Boyd Porter
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 16, 2016 10:43 AM in response to Boyd Porter

    Well I can't back up to a time capsule or an external drive either...Once again it has nothing to do with my NAS........

  • by Boyd Porter,

    Boyd Porter Boyd Porter Feb 16, 2016 12:28 PM in response to nb023
    Level 3 (997 points)
    Feb 16, 2016 12:28 PM in response to nb023

    Do a full reset of Time Machine. http://pondini.org/TM/A4.html

     

    Have a nice day.

  • by Allan Eckert,

    Allan Eckert Allan Eckert Feb 16, 2016 2:36 PM in response to nb023
    Level 9 (53,621 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 16, 2016 2:36 PM in response to nb023

    If you know the answer why did you bother even coming here?