kirikiri

Q: Time Machine not doing hourly backups on new WD My Book for Mac

My 1TB time capsule was too small for full backup so I have just bought a new 6TB WD 'My Book for Mac' and now have a new full back up but it won't do hourly backups as normal. I am running OS X El Capitan 10.11.6  Can anyone think of the reason for this as I am nervous of not having a reliable backup. Is the problem with the new external hard disk or is it a problem with EL Capitan?

Aperture 3, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Jul 31, 2016 12:01 AM

Close

Q: Time Machine not doing hourly backups on new WD My Book for Mac

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by JovonaP.,Helpful

    JovonaP. JovonaP. Aug 3, 2016 6:13 AM in response to kirikiri
    Community Specialists
    Aug 3, 2016 6:13 AM in response to kirikiri

    Hello kirikiri,

    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. It's my understanding Time Machine hasn't been backing up as expected. I definitely understand how important it is to be able to back up your content. I am happy to help.

    There are several different factors that could impact the automatic backup. Please use the steps in the link below to resolve this issue:



    If you can't back up or restore your Mac using Time Machine

     

    In addition to those steps, the hourly backups could be affected by your Macs sleep and Power Nap settings, depending on which Mac you use. To ensure your hourly backups are completed, set your Mac sleep time to a longer period. For testing purposes, try setting the sleep time to at least 1 hour. You can do this in System Preferences > Energy Saver. 

    In addition, if you're using a portable Mac, make sure it's connected to power while testing to see if hourly backups work. See the link below to view information on how Power Nap works and how it can affect Time Machine.

     

    How Power Nap works on your Mac

     

    Keep in mind Time Machine only backs up files that changed since the last backup was done.

    Have an amazing day!

  • by kirikiri,

    kirikiri kirikiri Aug 3, 2016 6:23 AM in response to JovonaP.
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 3, 2016 6:23 AM in response to JovonaP.

    Thanks JonovaP.

     

    I think the answer seems to be removing WDPriviegedhelper.plist from launch Daemons in Library and deleting it from the Bin –– then Unchecking WD Drive Utility in Login Items in System Preferences - Users & Groups

    I have also uninstalled all WD software and so far Time Machine is doing backups – It is too early to say for sure if all is well !

     

    Thanks a lot for your interest