Q: Time machine Stops working after updating to macOS Sierra

Time Machine backup has stoped working on two of our Macs I updated to Sierra (MacBook Pro 15" early 2013, and iMac early 2016). They don't backup but are stuck for days now in "preparing backup" (connected via gigabit ethernet). The iMac use both our backup NAS (Synology DS216j) and a USB HD (Maxtor), now it cannot mount the USB HD nor, as the MacBook Pro, get to the point of actually conducting a backup on the backup NAS. All computers (all six of'em, five macs and a Windows...thing) has been backing up flawlessly, but the ones updated to Sierra don't any more.

Anyone else who has experienced this and even have a clue what to do about it?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10), 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD

Posted on Sep 26, 2016 2:36 AM

I have this question too

Q: Time machine Stops working after updating to macOS Sierra

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by sarah_s1,Helpful

sarah_s1 Sep 28, 2016 5:14 AM in response to dr Freon
Community Specialists

Sep 28, 2016 5:14 AM in response to dr Freon

Hi dr Freon!

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities! It sounds like you are having issues with backing up to Time Machine. I know how important it is to be sure the computer is backing up properly at all times. Check out this article that specifically talks about macOS Sierra: If Time Machine remains in the “preparing” stage. It has some suggestions of what can cause issues with the backup staying at "preparing".

Another option is to check out this article about macOS Sierra: Time Machine troubleshooting.

Cheers!
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by dr Freon,

dr Freon Sep 28, 2016 5:15 AM in response to sarah_s1
Level 1 (9 points)

Mac OS X

Sep 28, 2016 5:15 AM in response to sarah_s1

It seems to be an issue with Sophos Anti-virus. They're working on an update. Deactivate Sophos, remove the old backup file/directory from de backup medium and everything works just fine.
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by Dan Rosellini,

Dan Rosellini Oct 2, 2016 7:57 AM in response to dr Freon
Level 1 (64 points)

Oct 2, 2016 7:57 AM in response to dr Freon

After 2 weeks of dealing with this your answer solved the issue! Thanks!
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Q: Time machine Stops working after updating to macOS Sierra

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by sarah_s1,★Helpful

by dr Freon,

by Dan Rosellini,

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by sarah_s1,Helpful