How do I compare then delete a Time Machine backup?

[chrisdukes]

Basically, I have a 26 Time Machine backups of my system's internal drive that I want to delete from an external drive. I'm pretty sure all the files in the backups are still on my internal drive, but I need to make sure before deleting.

1. How do I confirm that all the files in the Time Machine backups are also on my internal drive?
2. How do I delete the Time Machine backups after I confirm my files are safe? Can I just drag them to the trash?

I have another backup system going and I will never use Time Machine again.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Lioness~]

1. Not sure what you mean, if you have another backup of your computers internal drive, why do you need backup of your TM? Backup of a backup. Seems backward.
Unless you want to save the older backups. Then why not save the TM backups until they are inrelevant. Buy another HD, they are cheap, comparing to what your data is worth for you. Keep at least triple backcups/clones on your internal HD.

2. If you want to delete TM files, you can drag them to trash. It happens that they stay there though, as they stay on the trash on the external HD.
If so download SuperEmptyTrash: http://faqintosh.com/risorse/en/sys/setrash/
Easiest way I found to get rid of old files from external TMbackups. Tried terminal etc, this worked better.