rpg25

Q: disk utility first aid hangs checking catalog file on time capsule

My Time Machine is hanging in the "Preparing backup" stage.

 

So I thought I would check the time capsule's drive and see if there's anything wrong.

 

Now I have two problems!  When I run First Aid on the Time Capsule's disk I get as far as "Checking catalog file," and then the disk utility hangs.  Not only does it hang, but it's apparently not interruptible ("Done" button is grayed-out).

 

Hanging disk utility.png

 

Any idea what I should do now?  I suppose I could just reformat the disk, but I'd prefer not to lose my history if it's not necessary.  Or do I need to take the drive in for a physical?

 

Thanks!

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5)

Posted on Jul 18, 2016 4:25 PM

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Q: disk utility first aid hangs checking catalog file on time capsule

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  • by JovonaP.,

    JovonaP. JovonaP. Jul 19, 2016 10:41 AM in response to rpg25
    Community Specialists
    Jul 19, 2016 10:41 AM in response to rpg25

    Hello rpg25, 

    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. It's my understanding your Time Machine was getting stuck on preparing and now you're unable to complete the First Aid process. I know how important it is to be able to back up successfully. I'm happy to help.

     

    Addressing the Time Machine issue can resolve both issues. Here's some information about possible causes of this problem.

     

    The length of preparation time Time Machine requires depends on the amount of information on your Mac, the size of the backup, and the speed of the connection between your Mac and the backup disk. 

    The preparation stage can also take longer if:

    • The previous Time Machine backup was interrupted.

    • The Mac wasn’t shut down properly.

    • A disk was disconnected from your computer before being ejected.

    • A software update was recently installed.

    • You used your Mac for several days without performing a backup. This can happen if the backup disk was disconnected.

     

    OS X El Capitan: If Time Machine remains in the "preparing" stage

     

    Please follow the steps in the link below:

     

    If a Time Machine backup takes longer than you expect

     

    Have an amazing day!

  • by Rumaggi,

    Rumaggi Rumaggi Jul 22, 2016 4:58 PM in response to rpg25
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Notebooks
    Jul 22, 2016 4:58 PM in response to rpg25

    I am wondering if I have a problem, or if it's just taking a long time because of the complexity of the task?

    First Aid on Time Machine Backup had run thus far: Question: Has it hung or is it processing? As "Done" is greyed-out assume it's still running.  How long do I wait? What do I do? "Force Quit"?

    Screen Shot 2016-07-22 at 3.21.52 PM.png

  • by Rumaggi,

    Rumaggi Rumaggi Jul 22, 2016 5:01 PM in response to Rumaggi
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Notebooks
    Jul 22, 2016 5:01 PM in response to Rumaggi

    PS Corrections: "First Aid on Time Machine Backup [has] run [this far].

  • by Rumaggi,

    Rumaggi Rumaggi Jul 22, 2016 5:09 PM in response to Rumaggi
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Notebooks
    Jul 22, 2016 5:09 PM in response to Rumaggi

    First Aid has answered by query by moving-on, so it's working! Patience is a virtue, its own reward!

    Screen Shot 2016-07-22 at 5.07.01 PM.png