Time Machine stuck on "Preparing Backup".

Question

Level 1

70 points

Time Machine stuck on "Preparing Backup".

Hi,

I open my MacBook Pro, and an error message pops up saying that my backup disk identity has been played with, or someone is trying to use it or its content has been erased.

Hmmm...

I check my Time Capsule, and everything is still there, no problem.

I click on "Back Up Now", and it says it never did a backup before and that this will be the first time.

Since this isn't the case, I reboot my computer.

After rebooting, Time Machine says my last backup was yesterday.

Cool.

I press "Back Up Now", and Time Machine has been stuck on "Preparing Backup" for a loooong time.

I read that I have to remove my "inprogress" file, but I can't find it.

Can someone help me please?

Thanks!

Chris.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.6), time machine

Posted on Aug 13, 2017 8:14 AM

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Answer 1

Krissserz Author

Level 1

70 points

Aug 13, 2017 1:58 PM in response to tjk

I read about the ".inProgress" file here: http://osxdaily.com/2014/03/31/time-machine-stuck-preparing-backup-mac-fix/

But I still can't find this file on my computer; my Time Machine backups are on my Time Capsule. Here is what I have when I click on it:

Thanks,

Chris.

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Answer 2

tjk

Level 9

51,148 points

Aug 13, 2017 2:55 PM in response to Krissserz

Then that's a dead end.

"And if I click on "Back Up Now", it doesn't work because it says my Time Machine disk is in use..."

And this is after a restart? Try booting into Safe Mode: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262 and see if the issue persists there.

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Answer 3

tjk

Level 9

51,148 points

Aug 13, 2017 1:47 PM in response to Krissserz

Hi,

I don't know about deleting the "in progress" file, but if that's what you want to find, double click on the TM icon on your desktop > dc on backups.backupdb > dc on next folder > scroll to it and do with it as you wish.

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Answer 4

tjk

Level 9

51,148 points

Aug 13, 2017 2:08 PM in response to Krissserz

I don't have TC, so I don't know if it's different, but doesn't it show up on your desktop? If not, make it do so in Finder preferences > General.

Then double click on the TM icon on your desktop > dc on backups.backupdb > dc on next folder > scroll to ....inprogress and do with it as you wish.

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Answer 5

Krissserz Author

Level 1

70 points

Aug 13, 2017 2:55 PM in response to Krissserz

After restarting and waiting a long time, the backup finally worked.

I don't understand the initial error, though, saying that my backup disk's identity has been played with, or someone is trying to use it or its content has been erased.

Anyway.

Thanks!

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Answer 6

Aug 13, 2017 6:14 PM in response to Krissserz

I had the same issue when backing up for the first time a 2017 MBP running OS Sierra, while the TC still had previous back-ups on it from a 2008 Macbook running El Capitan (I migrated my data manually to the 2017 MBP). Somehow these two operating systems don't get along when mixed on a TC. I could only resolve it be erasing the TC via DiskUtility, i.e. start completely fresh on the TC with the OS Sierra back-up from the new MBP 2017.

Works fine ever since with zero issues.

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