[bpnkrtn]

Howdy. I use a USB drive to keep my collection and financial data files on and use them from both a MBP and a Mini. I want TM to backup the USB drive also. I use a Firewire drive for TM backup. When I open System Preferences and select TM, then options, I see the list of "Do not backup:" and the USB drive is listed. HOWEVER, the "-" button to remove it from the list is grayed out? Can TM provide backup of an external drive? Thanks.

[Hal Itosis]

Originally Posted by bpnkrtn 

When I open System Preferences and select TM, then options, I see the list of "Do not backup:" and the USB drive is listed. HOWEVER, the "-" button to remove it from the list is grayed out?

Select the USB drive in that list, first... then the "-" will be enabled.

Originally Posted by bpnkrtn 

Can TM provide backup of an external drive?

Yes... any mounted volume, except the one Time Machine uses as a its destination (natch).

[bpnkrtn]

Originally Posted by Hal Itosis 

Select the USB drive in that list, first... then the "-" will be enabled.


Yes... any mounted volume, except the one Time Machine uses as a its destination (natch).

Thanks. But the "-" button stays grayed out!!! Something is blocking it? The USB drive is a Iomega ego drive. The "Get info" shows "you can read and write" under sharing and permissions. The drive is formated as MS-DOS (FAT32) ... could that make a difference? I appreciate any and all help/thoughts.

[Big Mac]

Most likely it can't backup FAT32 drives.

[bpnkrtn]

Ok. I just attached another usb drive I had. It could not be backed up by TM either. I reformatted it from FAT32 to OS journal extended ... and PRESTO it shows up in TM with the "-" button available. I excluded it then added it back ... no problems! Shouldn't be this difficult. Maybe this will help someone else ... y'all have a good weekend.

[B Gallagher]

Just helped me out - I've been trying to figure this out for ages! Thanks!!