I'm using an external drive to back up my Macbook pro that I used on another iMac previously. I got the question: : Should this computer claim the existing backups on the disk “SoulRapha”? I want to keep the files on the drive. What should I do.
Thanks!
MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 12.6
It depends. If you answer yes, Time Machine will "inherit" the backups on your previously used iMac. That means it will consider those backups candidates for deletion when Time Machine needs the space they occupy.
If you answer no, then Time Machine will create a new and separate backup for your MBP. The iMac's backups will not be altered. Given the fact it's normal for Time Machine to eventually occupy an entire disk's capacity, there may be insufficient space for Time Machine to create that new and separate backup. If that's the case it will let you know.
It depends. If you answer yes, Time Machine will "inherit" the backups on your previously used iMac. That means it will consider those backups candidates for deletion when Time Machine needs the space they occupy.
If you answer no, then Time Machine will create a new and separate backup for your MBP. The iMac's backups will not be altered. Given the fact it's normal for Time Machine to eventually occupy an entire disk's capacity, there may be insufficient space for Time Machine to create that new and separate backup. If that's the case it will let you know.
That's not an option because Time Machine "owns" those backups. It deletes older backups when it needs the space they occupy, but it will only do that if you continue to use that drive to back up the iMac.
If you believe your older iMac might need them, then leave them alone. There may or may not be enough space to keep both sets of backups.
The most prudent backup strategy is to use separate, individual, dedicated backup drives for each Mac.
Thank you John! Much appreciated. Can I answer no and then delete some of the older backups to create space. That seems the way to go for now.
Thanks John!
Time Machine Options
