Time Machine:include from excluded?

[Aqua]

I've excluded certain folders (ie applications) in my Time Machine Backup (I use an external not Time Capsule) but there are some apps I prefer not to have to reinstall so I would like to have TM include them.. ie MS Office or CS.

Is there some way to include these apps, also find the dependents (plists etc) that go with them even tho I've excluded the apps folder or should I or could I have installed them in a different folder or copy them seperately outside of the timemachine backup?

 

[EvenStranger]

If you are the only user of these applications, you could copy those few apps to an Applications folder in your home directory, and include that folder in your backups. I don't think it matters in which Application folder the apps reside, the updaters should be smart enough to find them.

If the apps are shared by multiple users on the computer, then you'll need to remove the Applications folder from the exclusions list and individually select apps you would like to exclude from backup.

 

[Aqua]

Wow thanks for the quick reply! Yes I'm the only user but I've probably set it to shared (not sure if that matters). But it will find its dependents also or do I need to find those at all (not talking of documents or things I've created with them)?

If it's saved on one account and not another, is it still valid?

 

[EvenStranger]

Depends on what you have excluded besides Applications. Apps will save support files in the Library folders, Documents, and sometimes to their own application packages. I'd make sure the main /Library folder gets backed up (not /System/Library), and the Library and Documents folders in your home directory (ideally I'd get the whole user folder). That should get all the support files needed to restore the applications properly if required.

 

[Aqua]

Thank you very much...

Although I think my siggy is still trying to kick my butt