Time Machine Question

I have an external drive connected to my computer. It is properly formatted. when I enter time machine options , this particular external drive is not highlighted. Does this mean time machine is not backing up this external drive? How do I tell if this external drive is being backed up? Why is it not highlighted? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Feb 1, 2022 9:01 AM

Reply
Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 1, 2022 1:56 PM

Time Machine backs up all internal and external HD's (with the exception of the TM EHD itself) by default. To eliminate files, folders or drives from being backed up you need to indicate that in Time Machine - Preferences- Options and then add the files, folders or drives you DO NOT want backed up using TM.

5 replies
Sort By: 
Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Feb 1, 2022 1:56 PM in response to NEH44

Time Machine backs up all internal and external HD's (with the exception of the TM EHD itself) by default. To eliminate files, folders or drives from being backed up you need to indicate that in Time Machine - Preferences- Options and then add the files, folders or drives you DO NOT want backed up using TM.

Reply

Feb 1, 2022 9:28 AM in response to NEH44

You have ommitted critical information:


  1. What version of Mac OS is installed on the computer?
  2. What model year iMac do you have?
  3. What is the "correct format" you used on the EHD? By telling us it is the correct format tells us nothing at all.
  4. What troubleshooting have you already done?
Reply

Feb 1, 2022 12:38 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Hi. I'm sorry about my very general question. Here are your answers:

MACOS Sierra

Late 2013

EHD Formatting: MAC Extended (Journaled)

EHD: Seagate Backup Plus Drive


This is the same disk I have chosen for the Time Machine backup. My main questions: are the additional files on this EDH supposed to be backed up also and why might this EDH be grayed out in the Time Machine options.


Thank you in advance for your reply. I hope I have given you enough information.

Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Time Machine Question

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.