Jon White

Q: How to modify StdExclusions.plist

Time Machine automatically excludes several items from backup via /System/Library/CoreServices/backupd.bundle/Contents/Resources/StdExclusions.pli st.

 

There are items in this file that I DO want to backup.  How can this file be changed?  Even when logged in in as root the change is not allowed, citing lack of permission to modify the file.

 

Any ideas?

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch,Early 2015), macOS Sierra (10.12)

Posted on Sep 20, 2016 8:38 PM

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Q: How to modify StdExclusions.plist

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  • by TeenTitan,

    TeenTitan TeenTitan Sep 20, 2016 8:49 PM in response to Jon White
    Level 4 (2,524 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 20, 2016 8:49 PM in response to Jon White

    Have you tried adding /system to your time machine backup?

    Usually when you do, you will get a prompt asking if you want to include system files in your backup.

     

    No need to modify /system/ or disable SIP.

  • by etresoft,

    etresoft etresoft Sep 20, 2016 9:03 PM in response to Jon White
    Level 7 (29,288 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 20, 2016 9:03 PM in response to Jon White

    Jon White wrote:

     

    Time Machine automatically excludes several items from backup via /System/Library/CoreServices/backupd.bundle/Contents/Resources/StdExclusions.pli st.

     

    There are items in this file that I DO want to backup.

    Hello Jon,

    Such as? Those items are excluded for a reason. They may be cache files that will be recreated automatically, they may be index files that can't be restored, they may be files that are always open and will cause problems with Time Machine.

  • by Jon White,

    Jon White Jon White Sep 21, 2016 6:25 AM in response to etresoft
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 21, 2016 6:25 AM in response to etresoft

    such as:

    <string>Library/Safari/Icons.db</string>
    <string>Library/Safari/WebpageIcons.db</string>
    <string>Library/Safari/HistoryIndex.sk</string>

     

    These are files that can be readily accessed and modified in the live environment, I should  be able to restore a backup copy as well.

  • by etresoft,

    etresoft etresoft Sep 21, 2016 6:58 AM in response to Jon White
    Level 7 (29,288 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 21, 2016 6:58 AM in response to Jon White

    Hello again Jon,

    Do you use iCloud with Safari? These are files that iCloud controls.