Time Machine Backups?

[pax-eterna]

I just want to create one backup to restore my MacOS 26 system to my own default startup, if I ever need it. I run separate data hard drives so do not need to back that up.

1.Is it possible using Time Machine to create one backup and then disable time machine?
2. Can I then use that backup once I re-install the OS via system restore and turn Time Machine on?

 

[Fishrrman]

You could use time machine to create a backup of your drive, but it only backs up your "personally-installed" apps, data, settings, account, etc.

The OS... the "system"... now resides in its own protected partition (Sealed System Volume) and I don't believe tm backs that up. It exists in its own world.

But...
I think you'd do better to do this:
1. Get TWO SSDs.
2. Use the first one to create a CLONED backup of your initial setup (use either CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper). Then disconnect it and put it into a drawer for safekeeping.
3. Use the second SSD (and CCC or SD) to maintain a "working backup" of your internal drive. Update it weekly, bi-weekly, or whenever. That will become a much more useful backup to you "in a moment of need".

 

[pax-eterna]

You could use time machine to create a backup of your drive, but it only backs up your "personally-installed" apps, data, settings, account, etc.

The OS... the "system"... now resides in its own protected partition (Sealed System Volume) and I don't believe tm backs that up. It exists in its own world.

But...
I think you'd do better to do this:
1. Get TWO SSDs.
2. Use the first one to create a CLONED backup of your initial setup (use either CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper). Then disconnect it and put it into a drawer for safekeeping.
3. Use the second SSD (and CCC or SD) to maintain a "working backup" of your internal drive. Update it weekly, bi-weekly, or whenever. That will become a much more useful backup to you "in a moment of need".

Thanks - I used to use "cloned" drives often back in the day (on Microsoft systems) but I thought they had really gone out of favour. I did like them as they allowed a total "snapshot" of a system drive.

My thoughts with this was that as the MacOS26 already has a re-install option built in, I only really needed a backup of installed files, but you have given me pause for thought!

I'll check out those apps you mentioned and look at a clone rather than a backup.

 

[Imac Sam]

Thanks - I used to use "cloned" drives often back in the day (on Microsoft systems) but I thought they had really gone out of favour. I did like them as they allowed a total "snapshot" of a system drive.

My thoughts with this was that as the MacOS26 already has a re-install option built in, I only really needed a backup of installed files, but you have given me pause for thought!

I'll check out those apps you mentioned and look at a clone rather than a backup.

Carbon Copy Cloner, is worth it. It has saved me in the past and once you purchase or upgrade it, you can run it on all of your machines without additional costs.