How to delete Time Machine files

parrothead · Dec 30, 2007, 04:58 PM

I have been using the "secure empty trash" option when I have had to delete sensitive files for a while now. I had been feeling pretty good about the fact that those files were gone for good until I checked in Time Machine.

To my horror I found that every single document I deleted, whether securely or just the regular way was still to be found on my Time Machine drive. I have tried to go in and delete the files from the TM drive but the disk is locked. I also tried, and failed, to delete the files from within TM.

Does anyone know how to delete files off the TM drive without just reformatting the drive and losing all the other backups?

rdowns · Dec 30, 2007, 05:07 PM

Deleting a file will not delete it in TM. TM will back it up if it exists when it runs. Store your porn in a folder and tell TM not to back up that folder.

CashGap · Dec 30, 2007, 05:11 PM

Open your Time Machine backup ("Starfield View").

Select the item that you want to permanently delete. Hit the "Gears" and select "Delete All Backups of ________ (your selection)".

That's it.

Preventively, you can exclude a folder from Time Machine backup as noted in first response.

parrothead · Dec 30, 2007, 06:35 PM

Thanks for the help. I always wondered what the little gear was for. And Porn, who has time for porn when I am working full time, building boats almost full time, administering my own website, and helping to take care of my brand new baby girl!

Dec 30, 2007, 04:58 PM	#1
parrothead macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Edmonds, WA	How to delete Time Machine files I have been using the "secure empty trash" option when I have had to delete sensitive files for a while now. I had been feeling pretty good about the fact that those files were gone for good until I checked in Time Machine. To my horror I found that every single document I deleted, whether securely or just the regular way was still to be found on my Time Machine drive. I have tried to go in and delete the files from the TM drive but the disk is locked. I also tried, and failed, to delete the files from within TM. Does anyone know how to delete files off the TM drive without just reformatting the drive and losing all the other backups?
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Dec 30, 2007, 05:07 PM	#2
rdowns macrumors Penryn Join Date: Jul 2003	Deleting a file will not delete it in TM. TM will back it up if it exists when it runs. Store your porn in a folder and tell TM not to back up that folder. __________________ 44% of Republicans think an ARMED REBELLION might be necessary in the next few years. So if you say most Reps are nuts, you'd be off by 7%. - Bill Maher
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Dec 30, 2007, 05:11 PM	#3
CashGap macrumors 6502 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Music City, USA	Open your Time Machine backup ("Starfield View"). Select the item that you want to permanently delete. Hit the "Gears" and select "Delete All Backups of ________ (your selection)". That's it. Preventively, you can exclude a folder from Time Machine backup as noted in first response.
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Dec 30, 2007, 06:35 PM	#4
parrothead Thread Starter macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Edmonds, WA	Thanks for the help. I always wondered what the little gear was for. And Porn, who has time for porn when I am working full time, building boats almost full time, administering my own website, and helping to take care of my brand new baby girl!
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