Time Machine Question

[jazzmatazz]

I have a Western Digital 2TB EHD to backup my files. I've been using the backup program that came with the drive, but it is a "hit or miss" program. I basically have to "unload" and reload the program every time to get it to recognize changes to files. So I've decided to give Time Machine a try.

I do have a question, though, for those of you who use Time Machine. Not only do I want to have a backup of my database, but I also want to keep a folder of 'ready access' files on that same drive; that is, files that I frequently refer to. I don't want to go through layers upon layers of folders just to get something from my stash. Can I do that with Time Machine, or will it try to overwrite the other folder every time it updates? If it is possible to include the extra 'ready access' folder, do I have to partition the drive to separate the TM backup from that folder? If so (here's the question that shows my ignorance), how do I designate the area for the TM as separate from the folder.

I really appreciate any help you can give me on this! Thanks in advance!

[kikimama]

I use my EHD as both, doesn't seem to have had a problem.

I had the EHD first as a general back-up drive, then when I got my new Mac last year it asked if I wanted to use the drive with Time Machine so I agreed. When I plug it in it backs up, then if I look in it, it's got a file called backups.db or something like that, then I've got other folders as usual. I mostly use it to store my PSD files so they're not clogging up my machine.

[jk703]

This is a great question! Just something that was running through my mind, but never thought to ask!
Thanks!

[maureenreynolds]

Thanks for asking this Tracy. I have a secondary ehd for a copy of all my DD and all my psds.

One thing I haven't done, is have my TimeMachine ehd back up the secondary one. Another day I suppose.

[Britgirl]

what they said - you can use what space you like on the XHD, but remember the less space you give time machine the sooner it will overwrite itself. {writing over the oldest versions with the newest, - if you see what I mean}
OH! and - sigh, I recently learnt this the very hard way- any files you put on the XHD please back them up somewhere else {disk etc} too. never ever have only one copy of anything precious like photos etc!!

[jazzmatazz]

Thanks all! I do have all my important (read, scrap files) on SEVERAL other drives. If I have enough space I may also copy the Time Machine File onto another terabyte drive that I have. Can't have enough backup! ;-) Thank you for your help!

[readstoomuch]

Will Time Machine back up the same files to two separate externals? I would like one of them to be my main access and the other one would be just as an insurance policy in case the main one crashes.

Also . . . can the externals be hooked to my Mac via a USP hub and still work with the Time Machine automatic backups?

[maureenreynolds]

Mollie, I don't know the answer to question 1, but to the second, yes, I connect by USB.

I have a little USB gadget on the back of my iMac, which is about the size of a Nano, and acts like an extension cord. i.e., it plugs into a usb port, and then I can plug 4 other cables into it. I know there is a proper term for it but the engineer is off on a trip.