Time Machine backup disk errors

[colodane]

I'm recently getting error messages that my Time Machine back-up disk is not properly ejected.

I'm using a Crucial SSD for backup and normally leave it connected to one port on the MacBook. I leave the MacBook powered on, but close the lid when not using it so that it will eventually sleep. Normally don't have any power adapter connected. I'm using Sequoia OS.

It used to operate fine and would automatically do a backup when I opened the lid.

Should I have to eject the drive each time before I close the lid?

 

[!!!]

This is another long-standing bug. There are programs out there that will automatically eject for you. Not exactly sure how they work, I've never used them.

But I would definitely recommend ejecting the drive before sleeping, even if the likelyhood of corrupting a modern FS is low, it's still possible, and you don't want to be finding out that an unexpected ejection resulted in corruption when you're trying to restore from a backup.

 

[colodane]

Thanks for the info - glad it wasn't something unique to my device or usage.

Kind of amazing that an up-to-date OS still has this kind of issue. Hopefully it will be addressed in a future update or in Tahoe.

In the meantime, think I will just do a manual backup once a week and connect/eject the drive each time.

Thanks Again!

 

[DankeBrutus]

This is another long-standing bug.

It would be funny, and frustrating, if this bug is not fixed in Tahoe. It's been around for something like a decade?

The solution is either to manually eject the drive before you put the Mac to sleep, to not let the Mac sleep, or toggle a setting to not allow discs to "spin-down." I can't quite remember what it is called in System Settings.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"In the meantime, think I will just do a manual backup once a week and connect/eject the drive each time."

That's the way to do it.
Or, run the backup every 3-4 days or so.

When it comes to external drives (SSDs or HDDs), I'm of the mind:
- connect the drive
- use it for whatever you need, and then...
- DISconnect it and set it aside until you need it again.

Works for me (for 37+ years now).