Time Machine and Backups

[Kevinw]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: intel
Email Client: Exchange

I have read the recommnedations on how to backup Entourage and not use time machine but can't seem to get it to work.

When I try to manually run it, it fails. Any suggestions where I might look for mistake. I make sure I had FolderOrg enabled and attached to the Identity folder which I guess allows for more then one copy. Not stop it from copying. I am trying to copy to a Networked Attached Storage Device which the system sees fine. Could that be a problem? When I manually run it it just "dings" and it's done instantly. I do have it set for iCAL to run it but so far the destination folder is empty?

 

[Diane Ross]

I have read the recommnedations on how to backup Entourage and not use time
machine but can't seem to get it to work.

When I try to manually run it, it fails. Any suggestions where I might look
for mistake. I make sure I had FolderOrg enabled and attached to the Identity
folder which I guess allows for more then one copy.

The folder action is applied to the folder where you want your copies
stored. NOT the Identity folder in Microsoft User Data folder.

Not stop it from copying.
I am trying to copy to a Networked Attached Storage Device which the system
sees fine. Could that be a problem?

You could eliminate that as a problem, by selecting another volume on your
computer for testing.

When I manually run it it just "dings" and
it's done instantly. I do have it set for iCAL to run it but so far the
destination folder is empty?

Try running the Automator action from an open workflow. It that runs
correctly, the next thing to check is did you "save as plugin" then select
for iCal

 

[Kevinw]

Hi Diane,

Thanks for your reply, still no luck.

I was applying the folder action to the Identity file so I changed that to the destination file. And removed it from teh Origin file. My process is 1) Enable Folder Actions 2) Attach a Folder Action 3) Select FolderOrg

I stopped trying to go to the NAS and tried both using my computers HD as the destination and the disk I have attached for Time Capsule to see if either would work. Neither did. As you recommended "try running Automator action from an open workflow" I assumed this meant open Automator, select an open workflow. This wasn't clear to me but I what I did was Open Automator, selecting from "Recent Files" and choose the MUD Backup.app I created and then using the control buttons at the top I hit "Run". When I do this it starts and stops in less then 4 seconds and I get a "ding". It appears the finder is finding the files but the copy part is not working.

Also, I recreated the work flow and made sure I saved it as "File-Save as Plug In-Plug In for iCal Alarm. Although I have no idea where these files are stored. An observation note is that I would think when I start Automator that the "Use current work flows" would find this but it doesn't.

So I'm still stuck?

 

[Diane Ross]

I stopped trying to go to the NAS and tried both using my computers HD as the
destination and the disk I have attached for Time Capsule to see if either
would work. Neither did. As you recommended "try running Automator action from
an open workflow" I assumed this meant open Automator,
Yes

select an open
workflow. This wasn't clear to me but I what I did was Open Automator,
selecting from "Recent Files" and choose the MUD Backup.app I created and then
using the control buttons at the top I hit "Run". When I do this it starts and
stops in less then 4 seconds and I get a "ding". It appears the finder is
finding the files but the copy part is not working.

Let's revisit your Automator workflow;

First Action: Get Specified Finder Items (select your Main Identity)
Second Action: Copy Finder Items (To: destination folder)

The destination folder has FolderOrgX attached.

 

[Kevinw]

Okay in review -

1. In my "User" folder, under "Documents", Microsoft User Data, Office 2008 identities I have selected using Automator' "Get Specified Finder Items" the identity folder I am using which is KMW218. Its is not "Main" as previously with MSFT I was testing various identities to solve another problem and I had 3 others and the Main one was "erased"all that is left is KMW218. FYI below the Folder KMW218 there, I believe the usual files Database, Mailing Lists, My Day Plist, Signatures

2. My second action in Automator is "Copy Finder Items" and the destination folder is selected name "Active Entourage KMW DB"

3. This last part is kind of weird, I know for instance that last night I made sure I had "FolderOrgX" attached. This a.m. it isn't. Is there something that would cause this to come unattached. But I opened the folder properties first selected "Enable Folder Actions", then reselected it and "Attached a Folder action = FolderOrg.App

Nonetheless I reattached the folder and ran the workflow from Automator and it failed to copy again?

 

[Diane Ross]

1. In my "User" folder, under "Documents", Microsoft User Data, Office 2008
identities I have selected using Automator' "Get Specified Finder Items" the
identity folder I am using which is KMW218. Its is not "Main" as previously
with MSFT I was testing various identities to solve another problem and I had
3 others and the Main one was "erased"all that is left is KMW218. FYI below
the Folder KMW218 there, I believe the usual files Database, Mailing Lists, My
Day Plist, Signatures

Entourage defaults to Identity as 'Main'. You can use any name you select.

You say you believe. You need to check in your Documents --> Microsoft User
Data folder --> Office 2008 Identities folder.

2. My second action in Automator is "Copy Finder Items" and the destination
folder is selected name "Active Entourage KMW DB"

3. This last part is kind of weird, I know for instance that last night I made
sure I had "FolderOrgX" attached. This a.m. it isn't. Is there something that
would cause this to come unattached. But I opened the folder properties first
selected "Enable Folder Actions", then reselected it and "Attached a Folder
action = FolderOrg.App

Sometimes after restarting you have to startup folder actions again. This
has to be some kind of Finder issue and you have to enable. Luckily it's
easy to do.Drives me crazy

Nonetheless I reattached the folder and ran the workflow from Automator and it
failed to copy again?

What happens when you just try dragging the folder yourself? Have you tested
this on a different folder? Are you sure you have room to do this on the
destination drive?

 

[Kevinw]

Again, Thanks Diane for helpiing on this.

1. Okay here is what I found. I had it setip to run on my Time Machine Disk. I ran it set run at 2:00 PM which it did and it copied. I then reset it to run at 12:01 a.m. and it didn't

2. Time Machine has capacity of 698 GB and available 291 GB

3. When I used the words "I believe" it was not that I didn't have the right identity folder I do, it's the only one in the sub folder "Office 2008 Identities" The remark was I'm not sure there are only 5 files it is copying.

4. Glad to know FolderOrg turns on and off by itself

5. The strange part is I thought FolderOrg was what was suppose to allow Folders with the same name to be in the same folder (e.g. more then one KMW218 Identity Folder in my main "MSFT Identity Backup Folder" When I tried as you suggested to drag the folder there it error messaged to "An older item named KMW218 already exist in this location. Do you want to replace it with the newer one you are moving?"

Although I don't think that is what is causing the FolderOrg script to fail, if it was I would suspect that error message would be on my screen in the a.m. when I got this a.m.

I know at one point in your instructions you state to "double click" on FolderOrg to start it. I assume you only have to do this once? When You do it, it ask several questions which I am not sure I have the right answers to.
It ask me:
1. Do you want to show the folder when new items are added (I've answered Don't Show)
2. Do you want tot make the Finder Active when new items are added (Again I answered "Don't Activate"
3. Do you want to set the modification date to the time the items were added. (I answered Change Modification Date)

And to confirm the FolderOrg file resides in
KevinsMac/Macintosh HD/Library/Scripts/Folder Actions Scipts folder

It's driving me nuts?

 

[Diane Ross]

1. Okay here is what I found. I had it setip to run on my Time Machine Disk. I
ran it set run at 2:00 PM which it did and it copied. I then reset it to run
at 12:01 a.m. and it didn't

Is the Time Machine set to wake? In System Preferences you can set a
schedule: Energy Saver --> Schedule --> Start up or wake at 12AM.
snip

5. The strange part is I thought FolderOrg was what was suppose to allow
Folders with the same name to be in the same folder (e.g. more then one KMW218
Identity Folder in my main "MSFT Identity Backup Folder" When I tried as you
suggested to drag the folder there it error messaged to "An older item named
KMW218 already exist in this location. Do you want to replace it with the
newer one you are moving?"

It does. It will create folders with names of the date and move the file
into that folder. This is telling me the folder action is not attached to
that folder. Control click on the folder and select "attach a folder
action". If you see enable folder actions, then they have been turned off.

See this page for a screenshot:

Although I don't think that is what is causing the FolderOrg script to fail,
if it was I would suspect that error message would be on my screen in the a.m.
when I got this a.m.

I know at one point in your instructions you state to "double click" on
FolderOrg to start it. I assume you only have to do this once? When You do it,
it ask several questions which I am not sure I have the right answers to.
It ask me:
1. Do you want to show the folder when new items are added (I've answered
Don't Show)
2. Do you want tot make the Finder Active when new items are added (Again I
answered "Don't Activate"

This one never sticks for me. It always shows me the folder when it's added.
I use this as a way to know the action ran. When I come in each day I'm
presented with the folder open and I see the folder with the last date named
on it.

3. Do you want to set the modification date to the time the items were added.
(I answered Change Modification Date)

I set mine to no change.

And to confirm the FolderOrg file resides in
KevinsMac/Macintosh HD/Library/Scripts/Folder Actions Scipts folder

It's driving me nuts?

Salty or no salt?

 

[Kevinw]

Okay

1. Not sure about your Energy question - are you saying the Time Capsule has a specific option for it? I have settings for "power adapter and" "UPS" on the power adapter I have it set for "Never Sleep" On "Options" all the boxes are checked.

I also re-checked the "copy to folder" I named "MSFT Identity Backup" and it definitely has "FolderOrg" attached. The options when you right click and click on "More" 1/Automator 2/Send MSFT to Bluetooth.../Disable/Configure/Attach/Remove or Edit Folder Actions. It's there.

I tried dragging the item to to the folder and again it asked me if I wanted to replace the existing

What could the problem be?

 

[Diane Ross]

1. Not sure about your Energy question - are you saying the Time Capsule has a
specific option for it? I have settings for "power adapter and" "UPS" on the
power adapter I have it set for "Never Sleep" On "Options" all the boxes are
checked.

You never mentioned it was the Time Capsule. Don't have one and haven't paid
any attention to it.

I also re-checked the "copy to folder" I named "MSFT Identity Backup" and it
definitely has "FolderOrg" attached. The options when you right click and
click on "More" 1/Automator 2/Send MSFT to
Bluetooth.../Disable/Configure/Attach/Remove or Edit Folder Actions. It's
there.

Try on antother drive. Maybe it's the Bluetooth that's the problem.

I tried dragging the item to to the folder and again it asked me if I wanted
to replace the existing

What could the problem be?

Folder actions on bluetooth?????

 

[Kevinw]

I obviously need to be more careful in my choice of words.

1. I did not mean "Time Capsule" I meant my "Time Machine" attached disk. I was working on setting up a Time Capsule that day and I had it on my mind. Sorry to confuse.

2. I did get a hold of a Firewire Drive and have tried that. Still no luck. It does not copy the origin folder. And I can't drag it there either. Keeps saying folder exist. Yes I checked that FolderOrg was attached.

3. You mentioned Bluetooth could be a problem. Hope not - my keyboard and mouse are the standard ones that come with the iMac 6.1

4. I never said there were "Folder Actions" on Bluetooth, I was only reading the options that come up on the destination folder when you right click and select "More", "Send MSFT Identity Backup to Bluetooth Device" is one option although it is obviously not relevant here. I guess I was merely trying to give you a picture of what I see.

Something is stopping the copying part of FolderOrg from happening. If doesn't matter if it happens using Automator Script or if you just drag the file to the folder.

I assume yours works just fine doing that action that way. Dragging that is.

 

[Diane Ross]

This might be one to take to an Apple discussion group. Maybe one of the
Apple experts there will be able to help. Please let me know what you find
out. I'm stumped.

<http://discussions.apple.com/index.jspa>

 

[Kevinw]

Diane

I finally got this working but have one small issue left. I have automator turning Entourage off so it can backup the data base but is there a way to turn it back on after it's done. I left town for 4 days the other week and it was shut down so some of my automated functions couldn't take place. Normally not an issue as I open Entourage back up in the a.m. when I get up.

 

[Diane Ross]

I finally got this working but have one small issue left. I have automator
turning Entourage off so it can backup the data base but is there a way to
turn it back on after it's done. I left town for 4 days the other week and it
was shut down so some of my automated functions couldn't take place. Normally
not an issue as I open Entourage back up in the a.m. when I get up.

Are you going to have Entourage downloading mail while you are away? I'm not
sure I understand why you want it backed up while you are away.

In Automator, create

Launch Application select Entourage
Save as iCal Plugin

Now schedule iCal to do this at a specific time.

You could probably set a cron job to do this as well.

 

[KAZ]

Are you going to have Entourage downloading mail while you are away? I'm not
sure I understand why you want it backed up while you are away.

In Automator, create

Launch Application select Entourage
Save as iCal Plugin

Now schedule iCal to do this at a specific time.

You could probably set a cron job to do this as well.

Diane
n
Actually I have Entourage running while I am gone because it also
downloads my pop mail and exchange mail which is then sent tp my
blakcberry. So that is why it's backing up.

I don't understand your reply, the current Automator work flow shuts
Entourage down in order to do the backup. that is the problem. How do
you start it backup once the backup is done.

I've been having problems with FolderOrg staying on as well. Seems to
just shutdown on it's own.

And I'm sorry but what's a cron job??

 

[Diane Ross]

Actually I have Entourage running while I am gone because it also
downloads my pop mail and exchange mail which is then sent tp my
blakcberry. So that is why it's backing up.

That makes sense.

I don't understand your reply, the current Automator work flow shuts
Entourage down in order to do the backup. that is the problem. How do
you start it backup once the backup is done.

Automator through iCal can run a workflow. iCal sets the time for it to run.
Automator simply says launch Entourage. iCal says when to do it.

I've been having problems with FolderOrg staying on as well. Seems to
just shutdown on it's own.

I had a problem with it as well recently. After resetting it about 5 days in
a row it seems to be sticking. For some reason after a restart, folder
actions needs to be enabled again.

And I'm sorry but what's a cron job??

cron is a time-based scheduling service in Unix-like computer operating
systems.

cron is driven by a crontab, a configuration file that specifies shell
commands to run periodically on a given schedule.

Check out Cronnix. (freeware) CronniX is compatible with OSX 10.5 "Leopard".

<http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/9478>

Yasu might be able to do this.
<http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/21674>