How to back up Macbook Pro data?

pinpinpin

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How to back up Macbook Pro data?

I plugged in my old harddisk that have other PC data but it keeps asking me to erase all the data.

Is this common?

What harddisk do you all use to back up the data?
 

szeli

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use time machine. e disk needs to be in hfs+ format.
 

szeli

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u can just format any hdd. nothing to do with brand
 

pwnies5600

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It's asking you to erase because the hard disk is not in the correct format. Just get a generic hard disk (preferably with a USB 3 connection so it's at least decently fast) and plug it in. Time machine setup will take you through the rest. All that's left is to wait and it will automatically backup when your mac is charging and plugged in to the drive.
 

icedlatte7

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any harddisk to recommend?
I personally use a 500GB ssd to backup my MacBook Pro, 512GB.

Any hard disk is fine, but if you didn't buy those specifically designed for Mac, you might need to format to a format that MacOS use (HFS+), which is why it is asking you to erase the disk.

Side note, I would recommend that you buy a hard disk with the capacity larger than the storage of your Mac to ensure that things are back-up proper.
 

EJB

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Another way is a networked HDD, the network layer will allow copying files from Mac format drives to other formats.
 

zitseng

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Another way is a networked HDD, the network layer will allow copying files from Mac format drives to other formats.

I'd recommend a network Time Machine too. Don't even need to remember to plug in the HDD to backup... as long as you're on the network, Time Machine will connect and do its work. Makes sure your backup is always happening.
 
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