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

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Level 1

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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 4:07 AM

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Answer 1

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Top-ranking reply

kaz-k

Level 9

50,604 points

Aug 4, 2023 6:03 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.

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Answer 2

ku4hx

Level 7

23,622 points

Aug 4, 2023 8:13 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.

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