Transfer Time Machine Backup to new disk, already preparing > 24 hours!

Question

Transfer Time Machine Backup to new disk, already preparing > 24 hours!

I followed the instructions on the web site (Time Machine: How to transfer backups from a current backup drive to a new backup drive - Apple Support - essentially copying through the Finder) and after more than 24 hours the copying process is still "preparing to copy" and currently lists more than 4 million items.

Yes, I have a large number of files, 2,65 TB of info that I want to move to a new 6 TB disk, but this method of copying is going too take too long. I fear that I have to stop the copying process tomorrow morning, because I have to take my MBP on the road.

Is there another 'smart' way of achieving a Time Machine Backup on a new external disk?

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on Jun 19, 2016 12:05 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 19, 2016 1:11 PM in response to Gerrit Jan Veltink

You might try using clone software to make the copy, but I fear the size of the data you are trying to copy will take a long time with any method.

I suggest starting with a new Time Machine backup on the 6TB drive and leave the old Time Machine as an archive to use if needed.

Software used to Clone:

SuperDuper! http://www.shirt-pocket.com/

CCC http://www.bombich.com/download.html

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Answer 2

Eric Root

Level 10

685,293 points

Jun 20, 2016 7:27 AM in response to Gerrit Jan Veltink

Try using Disk Utility/Restore to copy the backup to a new location. Please note that this will reformat the destination partition.

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Answer 3

Jun 29, 2016 5:47 PM in response to Eric Root

Last time I tried that, Disk Utility/Restore took exactly as long as Finder copy did.

If you can find all the right fiddly bits, rsync may be the best bet.

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