Time Machine question

[ddublu]

I picked up a new MBP in March. Since then, it has been backing up everything to a new folder on my external HD. Can I delete the backups from the previous machine? I waited to ensure I didnt need anything from it. Also, in order to make sure I have a FULL backup how do I get it to accomplish that?

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I picked up a new MBP in March. Since then, it has been backing up everything to a new folder on my external HD. Can I delete the backups from the previous machine? I waited to ensure I didnt need anything from it. Also, in order to make sure I have a FULL backup how do I get it to accomplish that?

Yes, you can delete the previous machine's folder.

Time Machine defaults to providing a full backup so unless you went into preferences & set up excluded folders, that's what you're getting.

 

[ddublu]

Yes, you can delete the previous machine's folder.

Time Machine defaults to providing a full backup so unless you went into preferences & set up excluded folders, that's what you're getting.

Thanks....I'd actually like to delete ALL backups and start fresh.....Would I just turn TM off, delete and format the ext HD and then turn it back on? Knowing full well that the only good backup I would have would be the full one done today...

 

[hologram]

Would I just turn TM off, delete and format the ext HD and then turn it back on?

Yep, that's what you do. After you format the drive, unmount it, or turn it off. When you turn it back on or mount it again, Time Machine should ask if you want to use it as a backup, but if it doesn't, just go into TM prefs and select it.