How to back up only files modified after a certain date

Question

Level 1

21 points

How to back up only files modified after a certain date

I would like to back up files on my hard drive only after a certain date (the date after my last major backup), keeping them in their original folders. I would also like to back up only new files going forward, also keeping in their proper folders, only specific ones, and exclude certain file types or sizes past a certain point, such as large files like movies.

Can anyone recommend a solution for this? I'm on Mountain Lion.

Thank you

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5), null

Posted on Sep 1, 2016 1:32 PM

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Answer 1

chris_g1

Community Specialist

Sep 2, 2016 12:04 PM in response to Editgrrl1

Hi Editgrrl1,

I understand that you would like to backup important files and folders after specific dates and during specific times. You may benefit from using Time Machine! With time machine you can back up your entire Mac or only specific files and folders when you want to. Please have a look at the link below for in depth details.

Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac

Time Machine is such an awesome back up tool built right into OS X. I am confident it will serve you well. Thanks for using Apple Support Communities to post your question. Have a great day.

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Answer 2

Eric Root

Level 10

685,341 points

Sep 3, 2016 7:45 AM in response to Editgrrl1

How are you planning to back up?

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Answer 3

Editgrrl1 Author

Level 1

21 points

Sep 20, 2016 6:50 PM in response to Eric Root

I am not sure. Been avoiding the issue (bad idea). Got pulled away to do other things and forgot about this thread! But I've got to set some time aside to deal with this. Been doing it manually so far. I'm going to look into Time Machine's capability. Just don't want to have to back up everything.

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Answer 4

Eric Root

Level 10

685,341 points

Sep 21, 2016 9:32 AM in response to Editgrrl1

After the initial backup, which is rather slow, Time Machine only backs up what has changed from the last backup. I would do 2 backups on 2 separate drives as hard drives do fail.

Time Machine Basics

Time Machine Basics (2)

Time Machine Basics (video)

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Answer 5

Editgrrl1 Author

Level 1

21 points

Sep 21, 2016 10:36 AM in response to Eric Root

Is it necessary to do a full backup on the first one? Is there any way around it? I have a load of video files, most of which are already backed up, which need to be left out for space reasons. thx

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Answer 6

Eric Root

Level 10

685,341 points

Sep 21, 2016 12:07 PM in response to Editgrrl1

It will do a full backup. To exclude the videos (and other files if desired) from your backup, go to System Preferences/Time Machine/Options and add the files there by clicking the plus sign. If added there, they won't be backed up. Time Machine backs up in the background, so you can continue to use the computer.

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