0

I have a broken Mac OS 10.6.8 here.

  • Startup is normal, login works, but most programs can't be started
  • Repair of OS with install disks fails
  • Backup via Time Machine is working
  • System Settings cannot be accessed

So I have a working backup and want to erase the harddisk to make an installation of 10.7 possible. The problem is, that the backup does not incorporate all files and folders I need. This is due to the settings excluding some folders. Is there a way to change the excluded folders manually?

I'm fine with a hint where to find the configuration files for Time Machine, so I can change them with an appropriate Editor.

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

The folders or paths excluded from the Time Machine backup are stored in /Library/Preferences/com.apple.TimeMachine.plist

To include them again modify the file with an editor (TextEditor will not work) or sudo nano /Library/Preferences/com.apple.TimeMachine.plist and remove all entries in the SkipPaths array. In the example below you'd have to remove line 19 to include the (excluded) /Applications folder again.

enter image description here

You then probably have to restart the backup daemon.

If you don't have access to Terminal or an appropriate editor, copy the files and folders manually with the Finder to the backup volume and copy them back after installing the new operating system.

Improve this answer
1
  • That's exactly what I've been looking for. It works fine. Thanks! (I used vim to edit, but this won't make any difference).
    – Ariser
    Nov 7, 2015 at 12:05

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .