Unable to delete Time Machine backup from old MacBook Pro

Question

Level 1

8 points

Unable to delete Time Machine backup from old MacBook Pro

I have a new MacBook Pro that I have set up with Time Machine on an external HD which I had used for My old iMac. Now I can't back up the MBP anymore. The disk is full because it still contains the iMac backups. I didn't want to completely erase the HD until I was sure I had everything I needed set up on the MacBook. Now I want to delete the old backups from the iMac but can't. I get this message:

The operation can't be completed because some items had to be skipped. For each item, choose File > Get Info, make sure

"Locked" is deselected, and then check the Sharing & Permissions section. When you are sure the items are unlocked and not designated as Read Only or No Access, try again.

Locked is not checked and greyed out, I have set everything to Read & Write but still get the message.

Is there any way to delete the old backup without having to completely erase the HD, start over, and loose the MBP backups

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro (M4)

Posted on Apr 13, 2025 11:30 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

91,012 points

Apr 13, 2025 12:15 PM in response to gwr258

+1

The options are,

1) get and use a different drive.

2) erase your existing drive and start new backups.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

91,012 points

Apr 14, 2025 12:23 PM in response to gwr258

You're welcome.

Unfortunately there is not.

If you migrated using the old Mac's Time Machine during the initial new Mac setup, then you can assume the old backups at that time and continue on.

If you did not assume the old backups at that time or started new backups for the new Mac, then replacing or erasing the now full backup drive are the only options.

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