can I reuse an external hdd to make a new backup of another macbook?

Question

Level 1

4 points

can I reuse an external hdd to make a new backup of another macbook?

Years ago I used an external hdd & TimeMachine to make a backup of my old macbook. That's history and I don't need the data anymore. Now I have another, newer Macbook (Air) that I should upgrade, and before that, backup. Can I just plug in this external hdd I've used before (with the backup of the old macbook still on it) and run TimeMachine to make a backup of my current Macbook?

Thanks for answering!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Aug 4, 2023 04:07 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

kaz-k

Level 9

50,982 points

Aug 4, 2023 06:03 AM in response to m2804

Hi,

Yes, you can, if there is good enough free space on the external drive, though if you don't need data on the drive anymore, reformat the drive with DiskUtility as APFS and use it for new MacBook Air as back up drive.

Reply

Answer 2

ku4hx

Level 7

23,640 points

Aug 4, 2023 08:13 AM in response to m2804

If "years ago" means the drive is over 5 years old, you need to consider replacing it. If your data is important enough to backup, do trust an old drive.

Reply

can I reuse an external hdd to make a new backup of another macbook?

Similar questions