Time machine file smaller than space used on HD?

andymac2210 · andymac2210 #1 (**permalink**)

06-24-2011, 12:02 PM

I've noticed the size of my time machine backup is approximately 4.5 GB's smaller than the 'used' space on my HDD, is this normal?

chscag · chscag #2 (**permalink**)

06-24-2011, 12:08 PM

Your post was moved to the correct forum as it does not belong in "Switcher". Please read forum descriptions and Sticky notices before posting. Thanks.

Yes, it's normal. The initial backup (first one you made) will include everything unless you've specifically excluded certain folders and files. That backup should be approximately the same size. Subsequent backups will be smaller.

andymac2210 · andymac2210 #3 (**permalink**)

06-24-2011, 12:49 PM

This is the first backup I made, with no folders excluded.

chscag · chscag #4 (**permalink**)

06-24-2011, 01:10 PM

How are you determining the size of your first backup? In other words, how are you viewing the backup?

I just checked my first backup to make sure, and it closely approximates the size of what I have on my hard drive. Subsequent backups are much smaller as only the changes are backed up.

EvenStranger · EvenStranger #5 (**permalink**)

06-24-2011, 01:26 PM

You have 4GB of RAM, it's most likely not backing up the swap space.

andymac2210 · andymac2210 #6 (**permalink**)

06-24-2011, 01:48 PM

Here's a screenshot;

See how the time machine one is smaller?

EvenStranger · EvenStranger #7 (**permalink**)

06-24-2011, 01:55 PM

Actually, swap space is not the term I meant... I meant the sleepimage file. Your system sets aside some space equal to your RAM to save the contents of RAM when your system hibernates. That's your sleepimage, and it's not usually backed up. If you were to look at your drive with an app like GrandPerspective, you would see the large 4GB box that represents your sleepimage.

chscag #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 23, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 31,998 Mac Specs: 21.5" iMac 2.5 GHz i5, iPad 3rd Gen., 3 iPods	06-24-2011, 12:08 PM Your post was moved to the correct forum as it does not belong in "Switcher". Please read forum descriptions and Sticky notices before posting. Thanks. Yes, it's normal. The initial backup (first one you made) will include everything unless you've specifically excluded certain folders and files. That backup should be approximately the same size. Subsequent backups will be smaller. Community Guidelines
	QUOTE Thanks

chscag #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 23, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 31,998 Mac Specs: 21.5" iMac 2.5 GHz i5, iPad 3rd Gen., 3 iPods	06-24-2011, 01:10 PM How are you determining the size of your first backup? In other words, how are you viewing the backup? I just checked my first backup to make sure, and it closely approximates the size of what I have on my hard drive. Subsequent backups are much smaller as only the changes are backed up. Community Guidelines
	QUOTE Thanks

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andymac2210 #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 24, 2011 Posts: 76 Mac Specs: 13.3" macbook pro (2010) 2.4 Ghz Core 2 Duo, 4 Gb RAM, 500GB HD.	06-24-2011, 12:02 PM I've noticed the size of my time machine backup is approximately 4.5 GB's smaller than the 'used' space on my HDD, is this normal?
	QUOTE Thanks

EvenStranger #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 09, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 845 Mac Specs: Currently 13" Late 2010 MBA, 4GB/128GB; Early 2011 13" MBP, dual core i7 2.7ghz, 4gb ram, 500gb hd	06-24-2011, 01:26 PM You have 4GB of RAM, it's most likely not backing up the swap space.
	QUOTE Thanks

andymac2210 #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 24, 2011 Posts: 76 Mac Specs: 13.3" macbook pro (2010) 2.4 Ghz Core 2 Duo, 4 Gb RAM, 500GB HD.	06-24-2011, 01:48 PM Here's a screenshot; See how the time machine one is smaller?
	QUOTE Thanks

EvenStranger #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 09, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 845 Mac Specs: Currently 13" Late 2010 MBA, 4GB/128GB; Early 2011 13" MBP, dual core i7 2.7ghz, 4gb ram, 500gb hd	06-24-2011, 01:55 PM Actually, swap space is not the term I meant... I meant the sleepimage file. Your system sets aside some space equal to your RAM to save the contents of RAM when your system hibernates. That's your sleepimage, and it's not usually backed up. If you were to look at your drive with an app like GrandPerspective, you would see the large 4GB box that represents your sleepimage.
	QUOTE Thanks

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