Time Machine problem

[kobefan234]

When I open Time machine in my system preferences it says "preparing" is this normal? Is it really backing up?

 

[quotemeas]

First Step

When I open Time machine in my system preferences it says "preparing" is this normal? Is it really backing up?

This is normal, specially if your backing up for the first time. Give it time.

 

[r.j.s]

Every once in a while, TM will decide that it no longer trusts the file that keeps track of changes and will compare every file to the ones already backed up. When you have a preparing stage that takes a long time, this is probably what it is doing. Let it run its course, if you don't, it will try again at the next backup.

 

[kobefan234]

thanks!

 

[madroadbiker]

how long is too long?

Every once in a while, TM will decide that it no longer trusts the file that keeps track of changes and will compare every file to the ones already backed up. When you have a preparing stage that takes a long time, this is probably what it is doing. Let it run its course, if you don't, it will try again at the next backup.

I have a similar problem. After successfully backing up for months, I left my computer off for a long time. Then when I turned it back on and it tried to do another backup, it has been "Preparing" now for over 24 hours! Give me a break! What kind of BS backup system is this? Seriously, how long should this take?