Time Machine external HD

[fjs08]

Does the external HD that you use for Time Machine (TM) have to be "dedicated" for TM only?? I see there is a file folder on the HD. Can I use it for other file saves?

Thanks.

Frank

 

[notsofatjames]

yes you can but it wont be backed up.

 

[rdowns]

My external drive has 2 partitions. TM works just fine on its partition.

 

[fjs08]

I have a WD Passport HD. How do I go about partitioning that drive. Do I have to erase everything on it, or can I partition it with Time Machine on it??

Thanks.

Frank

 

[Diaresi]

You don't HAVE to partition it!

Time Machine backs up to a folder on the HDD, so you can just set Time Machine to go and you'll have your backup.

Although if you want Time Machine to backup things that are on the HDD it's backing up to then you'd have to partition it

 

[fjs08]

I guess I don't understand Time Machine. I'm thinking of backing up a few frequently used files to another folder, but I guess that's the whole point of Time Machine??? It does back them up. It's just easier to find them when I have them in a smaller folder.

Frank