Resolved Delete a Time Machine Backup - RESOLVED

[simon lefisch]

Hey guys, got a question....

I have a TM backup that I deleted (didn't need that backup anymore) by entering TM, going to the TM backup date, right-clicking in Finder and selecting 'Delete Backup'. The deletion worked except that some file weren't able to be deleted because they are locked. TM displayed this message and said to unlock them by going to the files, right-click, get info, and uncheck 'Locked'. Unfortunately this option is greyed out.

Anyone have any ideas how to delete these files?

I also tried the following code but Terminal said the directory doesn't exist:

sudo tmutil delete /Volumes/(drive_name)/Backups.backupdb/(device_name)/(date YYYY-MM-DD-hhmmss)

 

[simon lefisch]

Anyone?

 

[Alrescha]

I also tried the following code but Terminal said the directory doesn't exist:

Make sure there are no un-escaped spaces in your Terminal command. Either use tab-completion to build the command, or manually escape spaces with a backslash, e.g.: some\ file\ name.

Whatever you do, do not under any circumstances try to delete Time Machine files without using a Time Machine command like tmutil.

A.

 

[simon lefisch]

Make sure there are no un-escaped spaces in your Terminal command. Either use tab-completion to build the command, or manually escape spaces with a backslash, e.g.: some\ file\ name.

Whatever you do, do not under any circumstances try to delete Time Machine files without using a Time Machine command like tmutil.

A.

Already tried all that. Used " " for folders that have spaces in the name as well but all it did was just hang. I let it run for about 45 minutes before quiting the process. I'll try it again.

 

[simon lefisch]

Make sure there are no un-escaped spaces in your Terminal command. Either use tab-completion to build the command, or manually escape spaces with a backslash, e.g.: some\ file\ name.

Whatever you do, do not under any circumstances try to delete Time Machine files without using a Time Machine command like tmutil.

A.

So here's a screenshot of the output using the tmutil with \ for the spaces between names and using quotes (" ") for the same thing. Still nothing. The files I'm trying to delete are locked.

 

[Alrescha]

For your own sanity, I would recommend that if you are going to use quotes, quote the whole path and be done with it. Trying to keep track of multiple sets of quotes is not worth the trouble.

Your second command appears to be waiting for a matching quote, i.e. it is not doing anything but waiting for you to finish typing.

The reason I suggested using tab-completion is that you are assured that the file/directory you are trying to delete is the right one, and spaces are taken care of for you automatically.

A.

 

[simon lefisch]

For your own sanity, I would recommend that if you are going to use quotes, quote the whole path and be done with it. Trying to keep track of multiple sets of quotes is not worth the trouble.

Your second command appears to be waiting for a matching quote, i.e. it is not doing anything but waiting for you to finish typing.

The reason I suggested using tab-completion is that you are assured that the file/directory you are trying to delete is the right one, and spaces are taken care of for you automatically.

A.

I have also used quotes around the whole path and still the same output.

I did, however, make a new backup before updating to 10.11.4 and the folder is now gone. Not sure why that is but does not appear to be a problem now. Not sure what was causing the issue.

In any case, I do appreciate your input. Many thanks