Time machine automatic backups don't work

[Gerri]

My Time Machine backup stopped doing automatic backups. If I start a manual backup, it works fine, and it schedules the next backup. But when the time comes, nothing happens. It does not even try to do a backup. I am using Yosemite (10.10.5) on a late 2013 iMac. I have tried deselecting and unplugging the external backup drive, throwing out the com.apple.timemachine.plist file. Then I reselected the external drive. This made no difference. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hello...sorry we didn't respond until now.

Sounds like you have done most of the basic troubleshooting steps already.

-I assume your iMac is set to never sleep?
-Is Put hard disks to sleep when possible unchecked in Energy Saver preferences?
-What brand/model/capacity is the external drive?

C

 

[Gerri]

Thanks for trying to help. I have actually tried all of that and even bought a new backup external drive. I have been working with an Apple technical specialist who in turn is working with Apple engineers on the problem. I'll post a solution when they have found out something.

 

[Cory Cooper]

No worries.

If I think of anything else in the meantime I will let you know.

Definitely keep us in the loop, as we are interested.

C

 

[Lufbrarunner]

I use TimeMachineEditor to set up my Time Machine backups, from Time Machine Editor It may help.

 

[Gerri]

After exhausting all software solutions, I finally took my computer to the Apple Store to check out hardware solutions. I just got it back and it is now working. As I understand it, my old Apple hard drive was going bad back in October. That was causing a problem with one or some sensors so Time Machine stopped working. When I had that drive replaced in January and found out about the problem with the backups, the new drive that was installed, was a 3rd party product. Apparently Apple’s don’t like 3rd party products so the problem continued. Also, in changing that original drive, the display panel broke and was replaced, also by a third party product. So the techs at the Apple Store installed a new Apple hard drive and display. Now, Time Machine is working and my computer is working much better all around.