Time Machine preparing backups

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I realize I have posted this question a while back, but after erasing my external hard drive and reformatting (journaled) my backups still seems to be stuck in the "preparing" mode from anywhere to15-20 minutes before actually starting. Does this mean I should just purchase a new ext.hd? Any input would be appreciated.
 

Slydude

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The first thing I would do is mount the drive in Disk Utility, select it and verify the disk. Fix any errors that may be reported. Then try the backup again. If that does not fix the problem try these tips.
 
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The first thing I would do is mount the drive in Disk Utility, select it and verify the disk. Fix any errors that may be reported. Then try the backup again. If that does not fix the problem try these tips.

Yeah I forgot to mention that did verify the disk and it showed no problems. However on my next backup I will follow your tips. Thanks for the link.
 

Slydude

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Let us know if that solves the problem. If this does not cure the problem I think I have seen a few other tips that might be relevant.
 
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Yeah I forgot to mention that did verify the disk and it showed no problems. However on my next backup I will follow your tips. Thanks for the link.

I was hoping this would work. But it hasn't. Any other suggestions?
 

chscag

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I was hoping this would work. But it hasn't. Any other suggestions?

How much data do you have to backup? The 15 to 20 minutes preparation may be normal if the amount of data is very large. Since the drive checks OK and you followed the hints that Slydude linked you to, the only thing left may be to put a new drive in service. You can retain the older drive along with the new one in case you need to recover data from it sometime.
 
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How much data do you have to backup? The 15 to 20 minutes preparation may be normal if the amount of data is very large. Since the drive checks OK and you followed the hints that Slydude linked you to, the only thing left may be to put a new drive in service. You can retain the older drive along with the new one in case you need to recover data from it sometime.

About 260g. out of a 1tb. western digital.
 

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