Mac mini time machine backup error

[123becky]

This is my third Mac mini replaced by Apple for the same reason. Time machine backs up a few times than records Time Machine failure. It stops backing up then. We have 3 new time machines that we tried. Each one failed.

 

[jbarley]

You mention "3 new time machines that we tried".
Might you actually be referring to Apples "Time Capsules".
I ask because Time Machine is a 'Software' application, part of OS X, whereas Time Capsules are a HDD device used for backups.

My other question is why is Apple replacing your Mac minis if it is the Time Capsules that are failing?

 

[opinio]

This is my third Mac mini replaced by Apple for the same reason. Time machine backs up a few times than records Time Machine failure. It stops backing up then. We have 3 new time machines that we tried. Each one failed.

You have replaced three Mac minis and also three new Time Machines. Hmmm right...

Anyway, that one aside... it records a 'time machine failure'. You will have to provide little more detail than that. You mean the HDD fails or the link to the drive fails or the Time Capsule wifi fails or the backup is corrupted? Where is the 'recording' of the Time Machine failure?

Seriously... do you even have a Mac?

 

[Fishrrman]

Suggestion:

Try something different.

Get a _regular_ external drive (NOT a "Time Capsule" or an Apple product).

Download the FREE version of CarbonCopyCloner here:
http://www.bombich.com/download.html
(the version you want is 3.4.7 -- IGNORE the part about "not tested with Mountain Lion or Mavericks", "click through" and use it anyway)

Use CCC to "clone" the contents of your internal drive to the external drive.

You will now have an EXACT COPY of the internal drive, that you can boot from in an emergency. Far better option than Time Machine.

Also -- remember to do periodic "incremental updates" of your backup. Twice a week wouldn't be a bad idea.