How much space is needed to back up files?

When you choose files to back up, Backup estimates the total size for you. You can see the size below the list of items to be backed up. If you’re backing up files to a CD or DVD, you need to make sure you have enough hard disk space available to create the backup. Backup uses the free space on your hard disk to assemble the backup before it copies the files to the CD or DVD. If your hard disk is almost full, you may need to make room before you can back up files.

Download Backup from your iDisk

Instead of using the .Mac website, you can download Backup 3 from your iDisk. In a Finder window, click the iDisk icon in the sidebar and then double-click the Software folder. In the Software folder, double-click the Apple Software folder, and then drag the “Backup for Mac OS X 10.3.4 or later” folder to your desktop.

Using your preferences from an older version of Backup

If you’ve used previous versions of Backup, you can continue using the backup schedule you’re used to. You’ll be able to import your existing backup plans the first time you open Backup 3.

Verify your .Mac membership

If you haven’t already done so, open System Preferences and enter your .Mac member name and password in .Mac preferences. Once you do, Backup accesses the Internet to verify your membership information before unlocking full functionality.

Using Backup with a trial .Mac membership

If you don’t have a fully active .Mac membership, you can still use Backup, but functionality will be limited. If you have a trial .Mac membership or no .Mac membership, Backup limits backups to 100 MB per backup. Once a full .Mac membership is activated, Backup no longer restricts backups to 100 MB.